Rockin’ and Rollin’
In Georgia
By: Melody Wright
This is a webquest about rocks and minerals
for third grade students.
Earth Science
S3E1. Students will investigate the physical attributes
of rocks and soils.
a. Explain the difference between a rock and a mineral.
b. Recognize the physical attributes of rocks and
minerals using observation (shape,
color, texture), measurement, and simple tests
(hardness).
Introduction Task Process Resources Evaluation
Conclusion
Introduction
The geologists at the local mineral museum
have contacted us for help. Recently, while
doing some spring-cleaning, many of the rocks
and minerals in the Georgia exhibit were
misplaced. The geologists need our help to get
the museum back in order for visitors. The
geologists know that we are studying about
the rocks and minerals that are found in
Georgia. They have asked you to be a part of
a special team of student geologists to help
get the museum back in order. Do you think
you can help?
The Task
Your group will use the Internet and other
resources to collect clues about rocks and
minerals and how they are used. You will
gather multimedia information to share with
the other members of your group. Your group
will have a short debriefing session when you
are finished with your search. As a group,
you will be looking for the answers to these
questions:
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What are minerals?
What is a rock?
What are the three types of rocks and
how are they formed?
What are the common types of rocks and
minerals found in Georgia?
Your group will use this information into a
slideshow presentation using. Your group will
then be ready to share the findings of your
research with the classroom community.
The Process
1. You will be assigned to groups of four to
form a geology team. Your geology team will
then decides which two group members will
share each of these positions:
* Mineral specialists - This person
will find out what a mineral is and the specific
characteristics of your assigned mineral.
* Rock specialists - This person will
find out what the three different types of
rocks are and how they are formed.
2. Once you've decided who will complete
each job, you will begin your research using
the Internet and other resources that are
found in the Resources section. You will
need to go to the resources section and
carefully select the websites you need to
complete your research. Then review the
websites and taking notes on the
information that you need. Make sure you
think about your goals as a geologist and
what you need to find out about rocks and
minerals.
3. You will need to save any information you
want to use later in your folder on the
computer. Remember to copy and paste text
into a word processor if you would like to use
it as a reference. If you find an interesting
picture, right click on the picture and "Save
image as" into your folder on the computer.
4. When you have looked through all the
information, read through all your notes and
decide what is the most important
information to your presentation. Meet with
your group for the debriefing session.
Remember that you are responsible for
teaching and sharing your information to the
other members of your group.
5. As a group, organize your information
for a slideshow using a storyboard. You will
need to create at least one slide to answer
each question.
6. Use the storyboard to guide your group
as you create your slideshow sharing your
research.
7. When your group has finished your
slideshow, share it with one other group. Take
suggestions from your practice group and edit
your slideshow as needed.
8. Finally, you will present the slideshow of
your research to our classroom community.
Resources
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Rockhounds – Good information about
rocks and minerals.
Mineral Info
Minerals By State
More Rockhound Fun
Mineral Pictures
Weinman Mineral Museum – Rocks and
Minerals of Georgia
Types of Rocks
Georgia’s Oldest Rocks
Evaluation
You will be evaluated on several things in this
activity. First, you will be graded on the
quality of information you gathered for your
slideshow. Be sure your groups has answered
each of the questions. Next, you will be
graded on the technical elements of you
slideshow, including grammar, punctuation, and
spelling. You will also be assessed on the
quality of you cooperative group work as you
gathered, organized, and presented your
information. Lastly, you will be evaluated on
the quality of your oral presentation as you
share your findings with the community. Go
here to view the rubric.
Conclusion
Congratulations! The geologists were so
impressed with your research. It was also
extremely helpful in restoring the Georgia
exhibit! You are on your way to becoming a
master geologist. Be sure to get your
completion certificate from your teacher.
We can learn so much about our Earth from
rocks and minerals. Extend your research to
find out the answers to these types of
questions:
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How do geologists use rocks and minerals
to tell how old places are?
How can a geologist tell how old a species
of animal is just by looking at rocks?
How do rocks change from one type of
rock to another?
What types of rocks do volcanoes form?
In what types of rocks might I be able to
find fossils?
The list could go on and on! Take time to
research some more about this topic. Who
knows maybe you will make a big discovery
in your own backyard!
Great work, junior geologist!
Based on a template from The WebQuest Page.
Credits for pictures:
http://classroomclipart.com
www.mamasminerals.com