1. Sorting really is seen outside!
The Real-Life Lab:
Sorting really is seen outside!

2. Instructions: Name, date and period on the worksheet.
When the picture comes up look at it for fifteen seconds.
Look at particle sizes and think about how dense the particles might be.
Answer the questions on your worksheet.
Some questions will be discussion only, so when asked, speak up!  I want to hear your ideas!

3. Things to keep in mind: Density determines sorting
High density, large items will be found at the bottom of a sorted sequence
Low density, small items will be found at the top of a sorted sequence
Most natural sorting happens with water because it is a great sorter

4. Describe any differences you see in color or texture of the cliffs
How many “layers” do you see in the left cliff?
Does this rock show sorting or layering?

5. How many layers do you see in this hoodoo from Bryce Canyon?
What do you think could have caused the layers and color differences?

6. This section of rock was deposited by water
This section of rock was deposited by water. Remember… water sorts by density and size.
Which layer settled first? Is it most dense?
Which layer has the least dense particles? Did it settle last? D C B A

7. Look at the texture of the rock.
How many different grain sizes do you see?
6. Is this deposit density sorted?

8. B A B A This is a beach deposit.
How many general grain sizes do you see?
Does it exhibit “normal” water sorting on each half?
What could cause the ABAB sorting pattern? B A B A

9. Based on density, why does water sit on top of sand?
Density = 1 gram/cm3
Density = 3.2 gram/cm3

10. This is a volcano deposit sorted by air.
Based on what you see, do you think air is a good sorter? Look at the three layers.

11. Is this deposit sorted?

12. Does this scene show sorting based on density?
Which element (ice or water) is less dense?

13. Is it normal for density sorting?
Did water sort this out?

14. You pick up these items while you are panning for gold in the Provo River.
Based on density, tell me what you would find in your pan from top to bottom.
A: Balsa Wood
B: Iron
Density
7.9 grams/cm3
Density
.13 grams/cm3
D: Gold
C: Quartz Sand
Density
3.2 grams/cm3
Density
19.3 grams/cm3

15. How many layers do you see in this deposit?
Is it “normally” sorted or reverse sorted?

16. This is a diagram of the earth’s layerB C D E F
This is a diagram of the earth’s layer
Which layer do you think is most dense?
Which layer do you think is least dense?

17. Is this deposit sorted?
Why or why not?

18. Look at this situation and material densities.
Would the object in the water sink, swim or float? Why?
Density = 1 gram/cm3
Density = 1 gram/cm3