BIG IDEA: Rocks and minerals have properties that can be: observed, tested, described, identified and recorded.

o What does the object look like? o Where have you seen it before? o What is it used for? o What do you think it is?

The geologist was very interested in your rock dissection reports and was happy to see that you were able to identify the 3 mystery minerals found in your rocks. He knows your principal really wants to find out what the rocks in his collection are, so he has sent some final information and materials to help us complete our rock identification. The geologist wanted me to tell you that rocks can sometimes be very difficult to identify because they are composed of a mixture of minerals and other materials. In order to identify the rocks in our principal’s collection we will need to look very closely at the rocks properties and use all of the information we have in our scientist notebook concerning minerals and the rock cycle. Because rocks can be very difficult to identify, the geologist believes we should start by sorting the rocks into categories by which they were formed and describe the properties we observe. What does the geologist want us to do? What did the geologist give us to help? What is the problem we need to solve?

How can we…

I think that we can…because…

In many of our lessons we have talked about the way rocks are formed. The geologist said that this is a big clue in helping us identify rocks. If a geologist is able to know the geography, or area the rock was found, it can be very helpful for identification.  What are the three main earth processes in which rocks are formed? igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary

Igneous rock is formed by the cooling of melted rock. This melted rock is referred to as magma or lava depending on where it is found. Lava Molten rock below the earth’s surface. Magma Molten rock that has spewed above the earth’s surface.  If igneous rock is formed when lava or magma is cooled, what do you think this rock may look like?  glassy, bubbled and porous texture, pattern of crystals  Where do you think you are most likely to find igneous rocks?  Areas with volcanic activity

Sedimentary rocks form in a much different way than igneous rocks. They are formed from layers of sediment that accumulate like the layers of sediment you found in your vials during the rock dissection. Sediment can be mud, sand, small pebbles and the remains of living organisms. The sediment is mostly rock materials that have been broken down from weathering or erosion.  What do you think sedimentary rock might look like?  layered appearance, sandy, fine grained texture  Where do you think you are most likely to find sedimentary rocks?  Locations that were once under water

Metamorphic rocks require great deals of heat and pressure to form. A clue to helping you remember this type of rock is to think about just part of the word… morphic. A caterpillar goes through a state of metamorphosis when it changes into a butterfly. Metamorphic rocks are existing rocks that change because of intense pressure and heat.  What do you think metamorphic rocks look like?  Compact, sparkling, texture  Where do you think you are most likely to find metamorphic rocks?  Mountainous regions because of the intense pressure required from the earths plates colliding when they form mountains.

Who can tell us what a fossil is? A rock that contains remains of a plant or animal. Which kinds of rock would you find fossils? Sedimentary and Metamorphic

Igneous RockSedimentary RockMetamorphic Rock How they are formed:  Molten rock that cools Properties/Characteristics:  Glassy  Bubbled or porous  Pattern of crystals  Light weight Location Found:  Near volcanic activity How they are formed:  Layers of sediment that have been deposited  Contain rocks that have been eroded or weathered (mud, sand, pebbles, gravel…) Properties/Characteristics:  Layered  Sandy fine texture  Soft  Dull Location Found:  Areas once covered by water How they are formed:  Intense heat and pressure  Rocks that have been changed Properties/Characteristics:  Compact  Sparkling  Coarse Texture Location Found:  Mountainous areas

How can a geologist predict the properties a rock may have based on how it was formed?

Using the information you have for the forms of rocks in your science notebook, and resources from our object wall, I want you to do your best to sort the rocks in to 4 groups: Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic, and Fossils. The geologist said this can be a difficult task! Make sure you record your information in your scientist notebook and describe the properties that helped make your decision.

Rock #Properties Igneous Sedimentary Metamorphic Fossils

Our geologist recommended that we start identifying our rocks based on how they were formed. This has allowed us to group our rocks by similar properties and narrows the possibilities for properly identifying each rock in our principal’s collection. The geologist has sent an additional rock guide that should help us identify and name each of our rocks. Using the new Rock Data Sheet, try to correctly identify each of your rocks. You will want to use all of the data you have collected in your scientist notebook. You may even need to complete some additional mineral tests and collect more data. Remember that since these are rocks that are made of different minerals and materials, the mineral tests will not always work. The minerals may be too small or buried in the rock. You are not allowed to dissect the rock

 How do geologists identify rocks?  How they are formed  Properties and Characteristics  Location found  How can a geologist predict the properties a rock may have based on how it was formed?  Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic rocks have unique properties and characteristics.  What can the properties of a rock tell us about the rocks origin?  Igneous rocks would come from areas of previous volcanic activity.  Sedimentary rocks would come from areas that were once covered in water.  Metamorphic rocks would come from mountainous areas where the earths plates are colliding.

Based on what you have learned from your investigation of rocks, you need to record at least 3 claims and evidence statements in your science notebook. I claim that… I know this because… Possible Examples: I claim that geologists can identify rocks based on their origin and properties. I know this because… I claim that igneous rocks can be glassy and may contain bubbles. I know this because…

 What did you learn…?  What really surprised you…?  What new questions do you have…?  What would you like to know more about…?