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Rocks: Categories by Process
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Details

Type of Product:Science Object
Average Rating:
 based on 8 reviews
Publication Title:Rocks
Publication Date:11/1/2006
Grade Level:Elementary School, Middle School, High School


Description

Science Objects are two hour on-line interactive inquiry-based content modules that help teachers better understand the science content they teach. This Science Object is the first of four Science Objects in the Rocks SciPack. It provides an introduction to what rocks are, how and where they form, and what we can tell about a rock’s formation by making observations about its characteristics. Different rocks have different compositions (element and mineral assemblages) and textures (grain size, orientation, etc.) Important observations of rock include characteristics of both a sample of the rock and its larger geologic context and natural setting. Observations of rocks can tell us about the processes and the environment in which they formed. The major categories of Earth’s rocks include igneous rock, sedimentary rock, and metamorphic rock.


Ideas For Use

Science Objects are two hour learning experiences teachers can use to enhance their understanding of a particular scientific concept. Teachers can access any topic “on demand” from the Internet. Topics are based on the science literacy goals in the national standards (NSES, Science for All Americans, Benchmarks, and the Atlas of Scientific Literacy) and tied to state standards.

Each Science Object provides an understanding of the science content by providing a structured set of learning experiences through simulations and practice assessments. Science Objects challenge teachers to explore and explain real world phenomena and are founded on the principle that learners must be challenged with a problem, observation, data, etc., in order to develop scientific understanding. Science Objects utilize the five phases of inquiry-based learning: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate.

Learning Outcomes:

Rock Cycle: Categories by Process

  • List the three different types of rock.
  • Make appropriate observations about rocks (e.g. describe rock composition and texture).
  • Make appropriate observations about the general environments in which the rocks formed.

Additional Info

Science Discipline: (mouse over for full classification)
Rocks
Intended User Role:Elementary-Level Educator, High-School Educator, Middle-Level Educator, Teacher
Educational Issues:Inquiry learning, Professional development, Teacher content knowledge

Technical

Resource Format:application/x-shockwave-flash, audio/mp3, image/gif, image/jpeg, text/html, video/quicktime
Installation Remarks:Run the Science Objects System Check to ensure that your system is capable of viewing the simulations: http://ecommerce2.nsta.org/system_check/
Requirements:Requires Macromedia Flash Player and Apple Quicktime Player


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National Standards Correlation

This resource has 5 correlations with the National Standards.  
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This resource has 5 correlations with the National Standards.  
[HIDE CORRELATIONS]

  • Earth Science
    • Properties of earth materials
      • Earth materials are solid rocks and soils, water, and the gases of the atmosphere.
    • Structure of the earth system
      • Old rocks at the earth's surface weather, forming sediments that are buried, then compacted, heated, and often recrystallized into new rock. Eventually, those new rocks may be brought to the surface by the forces that drive plate motions, and the rock cycle continues. (5-8)
  • Process Standards for Professional Development
    • Research-Based
      • Address teachers' needs as learners and build on their current knowledge of science content, teaching, and learning. (NSES)
    • Design
      • Introduce teachers to scientific literature, media, and technological resources that expand their science knowledge and their ability to access further knowledge. (NSES)
    • Learning
      • Build on the teacher's current science understanding, ability, and attitudes. (NSES)


Customer Reviews
A Solid Introduction to Rocks
  Reviewed by: Kirsten Tuhus on March 16, 2013
  The Rocks: Categories by Process Science Object is a good and basic introduction to what a rock is and how to classify rocks based on their characteristic. The Science Object frames the exploration by posing the question of whether or not a bone found by a boy in Montana could be a dinosaur bone. We learn about how to ask the questions of where, when, and what in order to learn more about a rock. The lesson also describes how to classify a rock according to its color, texture, and context, although you will only learn how to identify a few rocks. I had hoped to gain skills in identifying the many different types of rocks I see while hiking, but since this is just an introduction I did not gain these skills. The Science Object also includes an introduction to the rock cycle and the difference between igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. If you have no prior experience in the field of geology, this Science Object will help you form a solid framework on which to base further studies. If you have some experience with the concepts of the rock cycle, then you might want to skip this Science Object and move on to others in the Rocks SciPack. In retrospect, I should have looked at the introduction page and realized that I already knew the learning objectives and not continued with the lesson. This was my first Science Object, though, and was excited to see how it worked, so I persevered even though it really was just a review for me since I took some geology courses in college. It is always good to review knowledge learned in the past, and this certainly was not a waste of time, but I would more readily recommend this Science Object for people without a background in geology.

Rocks
  Reviewed by: Yolanda Smith-Evans (Houston, TX) on April 4, 2012
  I just completed the session on the proceses involved in identifying rocks. The information was very comprehensive and easy to follow. The frequent checking your understanding was really helpful in keeping focused on the material. Good review for anyone.

Rocks: Categories by Process
  Reviewed by: Yolanda Smith-Evans (Houston, TX) on March 8, 2012
  Good solid background information. Easy to follow and learning is easy.

Science ROCKS!
  Reviewed by: Lorrie Armfield (Laurel, MD) on December 27, 2011
  This Science Object does an excellent job defining the term 'rock', and then highlighting the differences among sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rock. The explanation presented of how a rock can reveal a story about the environment in which it formed and the events that changed it over time is very clear and concise. The photos are brilliant and truly will help viewers (educators and students) to understand the many different textures of rocks (glassy, fine-grained, course-grained, angular, etc.). Additionally, this resource addresses common misconceptions that students may have; e.g., such as rocks are only things you can hold in your hand. Great resource!

Science ROCKS!
  Reviewed by: Lorrie Armfield (Laurel, MD) on December 27, 2011
  This Science Object does an excellent job defining the term 'rock', and then highlighting the differences among sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rock. The explanation presented of how a rock can reveal a story about the environment in which it formed and the events that changed it over time is very clear and concise. The photos are brilliant and truly will help viewers (educators and students) to understand the many different textures of rocks (glassy, fine-grained, course-grained, angular, etc.). Additionally, this resource addresses common misconceptions that students may have; e.g., such as rocks are only things you can hold in your hand. Great resource!

good review
  Reviewed by: Jean on July 13, 2011
  basic information good pictures a good first look at rocks and minerals

Good basic resource for core knowledge
  Reviewed by: Virginia on April 8, 2010
  Good overall presentation for building core knowledge for someone who has not had an earth science (geology class). Effective strategy to have reviews with assessments.

Solid high school level content, average hook
  Reviewed by: PHILIP on December 30, 2009
  This overview of rocks was fair. Pros: the format had options to keep things interactive, like choosing additional images to view, and the text read out loud. The quiz questions were a good option, although the questions were at times unclear. Cons: I'd like to see an option to listen to the entire lesson, or to engage with high level questioning. Each part of the lesson was only 2-3 minutes long, and it felt disjointed as a result of the constant clicking "next". Also, this is the same level of thinking or content knowledge I require of my students. I was hoping for something more in depth or challenging with regard to advanced concepts. This would give me enrichment opportunities in class to extend the quick learners. The content was the same information you

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