Gather materials and make copies of the handouts. The fragments accumulate, compress, and fuse to generate sedimentary rocks, such as limestone. Rocks exposed to the atmosphere suffer weathering and erosion, breaking into smaller fragments. These high temperatures and pressures are found in mountain-building events or through close proximity to igneous intrusions, where high temperatures exist from the cooling magma. Metamorphic rocks are created in a different process than igneous rocks, a process that is characterized by high temperatures and pressures, changing the physical and chemical properties. Several processes may occur after this, for example kaolinization, which generates granite and other common igneous rocks. At a volcano, or anywhere magma is exposed to become lava (such as at divergent tectonic plates), the magma/lava cools to become igneous rock. The basic explanation of the rock cycle follows: Rocks are pushed deep into the Earth's surface, usually by tectonic motion, where they melt into magma. Metamorphic rocks are those that have been changed over time due to different chemical surroundings, heat and pressure.Īs necessary, supplement students' understanding of basic rock/mineral testing, rock identification, and rock classification (sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic).Sedimentary rocks are often called "secondary" rocks, because they form from small pieces of other types of rocks, or from minerals that were previously dissolved in water (like the silt in lakes, rivers and seas).Igneous rocks are formed directly from the cooling of magma and make up the majority of the Earth's crust.So, to determine the best place to locate your cavern, you need to get an understanding of the types of rocks and their properties throughout the varied terrain of the state of Alabraska.ĭifferent rock types vary by region, so today you will be performing some rock tests so you can learn their properties, identify them and classify them as sedimentary, igneous or metamorphic. hydrochloric acid alternatively, use vinegarĪ general familiarity with rocks and minerals.streak plate, stuch as an unglazed porcelain tile.8 rock samples of the rocks listed on the Alabraska Geology Map: basalt, sandstone, limestone, granite, gneiss, slate, pumice, obsidian (not sand/gravel).3 handouts: Rocks, Rocks, Rocks Worksheet Rock Test Data Table Rock Identification Flow Chart.textbook or reference to classify the rocks (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic).(optional) mineral testing kit, such as the Home Science Tools mineral test kit for $7 at.rock testing kit (see component list, below) such as the Home Science Tools 15-specimen rock test kit (containing the necessary 8 rock samples) for $15.50 at.Relate the relevance of each tested/observed rock characteristic to designing/building caverns.Relate rocks-in-hand to geological formations on maps.Identify rock types by distinguishing features.Use the data and a flowchart to determine rock types and rock classification.Gather data by performing scientific observation and testing of rocks.It is imperative for these engineers to thoroughly understand the natural characteristics and properties of all types of rocks to ensure health and safety standards are met.Īfter this activity, students should be able to:
This engineering curriculum aligns to Next Generation Science Standards ( NGSS).Ĭivil and geological engineers, for example, design tunnels through rock, build roads on the sides of mountains, and construct skyscrapers rooted in soil and rock. They complete a data table to record all of the rock properties, and then answer worksheet questions to deepen their understanding of rock properties and relate them to the cavern design problem. Continuing the Asteroid Impact challenge, student teams test rocks to identify their physical properties such as luster, hardness, color, etc., and classify them as igneous, metamorphic or sedimentary.