The Rock Cycle
by

Daniel Hokanson

Introduction

The rock cycle is something which affects everyone on earth. Some might even say without it we might not even be here at all! Now you might say what good is a rock, or a rock cycle for that matter. To that I would answer "I know they seem plain enough on the surface but when you get digging into them they are almost as interesting and fun as mud". But that's for you to find out later.
Have you ever wondered where mountains come from or why someplaces have volcanoes or earthquakes and others do not.Along with these burning questions,what is a rock,where do cool rocks hang out,what happens to old rocks or young rocks in other words where do the happening rocks happen to be. As you explore "The Rock Cycle" many of these questions will be answered. Back to top of page

The Task

Now as you might have guessed already your task will be to explore the resources web based or otherwise to create a knowledgeable presentaion of as many aspects of the Rock Cycle as humanly possible.In other words lots of aspects done well = better grade.Minimum requirements :students must be able to recognise the various basic types of rocks at least three and how the are formed in a general sense. Students will also be responsible for recognizing certain processes that move rocks about. Studens should become familiar with volcanoes, plate tectonics and earthquakes fo an overall view of the rock cycle.

be thoughtful in design
optionally/be attractive and colorful
contain accurate information
preferably electronic media presentation
include drawings or pictures and written text
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Resources

The Rocks

Igneous
sedimentary
metamorphic

Sedimentary

Basalt
Plutonic Rock

Geological Terms glossary

Plate Tectonics
Map of Plates Volcanoes, Hot Spots and the Ring of Fire
Volcanoes

CD ROM

Earth Explorer
Groliers Multimedia Encyclopedia
Magic School Bus
Britanica
Encarta
Geology Explorer

Books and Magazines

Laser Disk

Science Discovery
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The Process

Use the references listed in the resource section or other references available to you.
Bookmark or note internet links to return to at a later time.
Take notes and make drawings of interesting facts and information concerning the focus of your research.
Choose an appropriate number and selection of rocks minerals and processes
Write brief descriptive paragraphs for yourself to remember.
Map a model layout of some parts of the rock cycle you choose.
Make individual drawings of selected aspects you chose.
Obtain preliminary approval from the( USGS) ,or your teacher, of your model layout or other plan.
Scan your individual drawings.
Optionally Import scanned drawings into final discriptive paragraphs, print and compile into Guide.
Option Paint a mural of your model layout. (approximately 24"X36")
Volcanic activity

Evaluation

Student developed projects will be evaluated using the Rock Cycle rubric.
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Conclusion

Upon completion of the extended unit you will have:

A better understanding of the rock cycle and it's causes
An awareness of plate tectonics
Knowledge of what makes a volcano tick
Understanding of the need for better prediction methods for both volcanic eruptions and earthquake activity
Improved technology skills including a working knowledge of the internet
Improved note taking and information extracting skills
Additional career awareness.
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Evaluation

Last updated November 9, 1999.