BACKGROUND:
Rocks are not only interesting geologically, but they are also an
important source of revenue. Ask your students why different rocks are
important. Some of the students may answer that rare and important minerals
such as gold and silver can be found in rocks. Many students, however, may
not realize that rocks are important to the basic structure of a city.
For example, landscaping and gardening use many different types of rocks.
However, many stores that sell rocks often call them by names that are
different from what a geologist would use.
PROCEDURE:
- Have your students imagine a world without rocks. There would be no
bricks, concrete buildings, roads, and many other familiar items.
Cemeteries would be without gravestones. Bathrooms would be without
marble. Explain to the students that mineral resources such as copper,
silver, oil, and iron must be mined in order to make the materials that
we use at home, play, or work.
- Write the legend below on the board. You may want to add more
materials that are appropriate to your area. Decide as a group what the
symbol should be for each material. If you have examples of these rocks,
show them to the class.
|
GEOLOGIC NAME |
COMMERCIAL NAME |
SYMBOL |
|
PUMICE |
FEATHER ROCK |
|
|
SCORIA |
RED LAVA ROCK |
|
|
BASALT |
BLACK LAVA |
|
|
DOLOMITE |
DOLOMITE |
|
|
GRANITE |
GRANITE |
|
|
SHRUBS |
SHRUBS |
|
|
RIVER PEBBLES |
BLACK AND WHITE |
|
-
Have the students design a "rock" garden. Use the worksheet
to help guide students. You may want to use a layout of the your school.
You may want to make this a weekend homework assignment so the students
can go out in the neighborhood to investigate if anyone has landscaped
their home with rocks. Students can also go to a local nursery or
landscaping store and discover all the rocks they sell.
|
