Laboratory Activities – Lab #2 By: Carlin Conk

Lab Activity #1 Investigating Rocks and Minerals

Lab Activity #1 Objectives Examine the rock and mineral specimens using the internet links provided or the PowerPoint file for Lab #2. Note differences in color, shape, and size of minerals. With the rock samples notice the differences between the three broad classes of rocks: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary. Note the size and arrangement of individual minerals. As you look at the rocks and minerals, complete Tables 1 and 2.

Lab Activity #1 – Table 1 Quartz is the first mineral that we need to examine in Table 1. You can use the PowerPoint file listed for Lab #2 and scroll through until you find “Quartz” listed under the “Primary Mineral” section. What is the color? White?

Lab Activity #1 – Table 1 Now we need to determine the plant nutrients associated with quartz minerals. We can easily complete this task by looking at the chemical formula for quartz. The chemical formula for quartz is Si0 2. Since neither silica or oxygen is a plant nutrient, we would say “none” under the “Plant Nutrient” category.

Lab Activity #1 – Table 1 MineralsColorPlant Nutrients Rate of Weathering QuartzWhiteNoneSlow

Lab Activity #1 – Table 2 Granite is the first important soil forming rock that we need to examine. We need to first determine the class that granite belongs to. We can go back to the PowerPoint for Lab #2 and search for ‘granite’. We find that granite is the first rock listed with the igneous rocks.

Lab Activity #1 – Table 2 We then need to find the dominant minerals associated with granite. In the PowerPoint file and also in the laboratory hand-out, we see that granite is composed of quartz and orthoclase feldspar.

Lab Activity #1 – Table 2 RockClassDominant Minerals Rate of Weathering GraniteIgneousQuartz and Orthoclase Feldspar Slow

Lab Activity #2 Rock Cycle Model

Lab Activity #2 We must investigate the rock cycle model and note the processes (such as: heat, pressure, erosion, etc.) that change one rock class to another. Then, we will answer questions using the rock cycle as a guide.

Lab Activity #2 You should use the hyperlink, “Rock Cycle Model”, to answer the questions. Click on the rock type that you would like to investigate for a description.

Lab Activity #3 Geology of North Carolina

Lab Activity #3 In this exercise, we will be investigating the geology of North Carolina using a geologic map. Finally, we will answer the 2 questions.

Lab Activity #3 Use the hyperlink provided in the instructions to familiarize with the rock types of North Carolina. Click on the area of the map that you would like to investigate further. For example, if you wanted to investigate the Coastal Plain, you would click on the yellow section.