Using QR codes in the science classroom Topic: Rocks Equipment required: iPods and/or iPads, Rocks app, QR reader app Activity: 1. Organise samples of basalt, granite, gabbro, geniss, phyllite, schist, slate, conglomerate, limestone and shale to be placed around the lab. Label the samples 1, 2, 3, etc. 2. Place the corresponding QR code card next to each sample. 3. Organise students into small groups and have each group start the activity with a different sample. 4. Each group is to read the clues on the QR code card and use the rocks app to identify the sample rock. The group then scans the QR code to reveal the answer. The teacher may want to use the activity sheet. 5. Each group rotates through the samples until they have completed all samples. Extra info: QR codes in order: Basalt, Granite, Gabbro, Gneiss, Phyllite, Schist, Slate, Conglomerate, Limestone, Shale What am I? I am an igneous rock. I am rich in iron, magnesium, calcium, alunimum and silicon oxides. My main silicate minerals are pyroxene and plagioclase. What am I? What am I? I am an igneous rock. I am formed when magma crystallises slowly deep in the Earth. I am rich in magnesium, calcium, iron, aluminium, silicon and oxygen. I am an igneous rock. I contain quartz, feldspar and other minerals. I am often used as an ornamental polished stone. I can be grey, white, pink or reddish. What am I? I am a metamorphic rock. I can look like granite. I am in the same family as slate, phyllite and schist but I have been subjected to higher temperatures and deformation. What am I? I am a metamorphic rock. I am a very common rock world-wide I am suitable to be used for flooring. What am I? I am a metamorphic rock. I am thin, strong and long-lasting. I am formed from fine-grained mudstone or siltstones. What am I? I am a metamorphic rock. I have large crystals of mica. My crystals produce a sparkle. What am I? I am a sedimentary rock. I contain can be a combination of any rock type. I am usually found as distinct layers with sandstone and shale. What am I? I am a sedimentary rock. I am rich in calcium carbonate. I am used to make cement. What am I? I am a sedimentary rock. I am rich in aluminous clays and quartz. I am an important source of clays for ceramics and bricks. Identifying rocks Sample 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 What is my guess? What rock is it actually? Am I correct?