Rock Type Concept Map
Summary:
The Rock Type concept map allows students to understand the processes and
characteristics of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. This activity should be
used as a review of information covered in class. The concept map works well as a
contest among students and can be used as a study sheet.
Grade Level:
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Target Grade: 8
Upper Bound: 8
Lower Bound: 7
Time Required: 2 class periods
Activity Team/Group Size: 2 students per group
Materials:
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Concept map pieces on colored paper (1 color for each set)
Concept map outline on white paper for each group.
Scissors
Glue
Reusable Activity Cost Per Group [in dollars]: $0
Expendable Activity Cost Per Group [in dollars]: $3.00
Cost for copying.
Learning Objectives:
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Identify individual rocks from the 3 major rock types.
Label characteristics of each major rock type.
Know where each rock type and by what each rock type is formed.
Lesson Introduction / Motivation:
Students should have prior knowledge of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.
This lesson can be made into a contest to see who can correctly fill in the concept map.
The first couple of groups to finish win a prize.
Lesson Plan:
Run the concept map pieces off on colored paper. It is best to run the 3 different sets of
pieces on 3 different colors of paper. Run the concept map outlines on white paper. Run
additional sheets of regular white paper copy of each concept map outline for each
student.
Let students work in small groups using their books or other sources to place the pieces in
the correct spot on the concept map outline. When they have everything in place, they
call the teacher to check their work. Teacher ok’s or gives guidance into which area(s)
need to be re-worked. When all is correct, teacher gives each student in group a blank
copy of the outline to write in the answers (shown on pieces). Students keep their copy
of the concept map for reference.
The first couple of groups finished first win a prize and the answers are shared with the
class. When everyone has filled in their first concept map, begin the next concept map
with a new set of pieces and outline.
Assessment:
Concept maps can be collected for a grade and a quiz can be given about the information.
Background and Concepts for Teachers:
Students should have prior knowledge of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.
The processes by which the rocks are formed, their characteristics, and examples of each
rock should be covered in advance. A brief discussion about concept mapping may be
appropriate if they have not been used before.
Safety Issues:
Students should use caution when using scissors.
Troubleshooting Tips:
If any students are struggling with this activity, the instructor should ask questions to help
the student determine the correct piece.
References:
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http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~adg/adg-pqimages.html
http://www.pitt.edu/~cejones/GeoImages/2IgneousRocks/IgneousCompositions/5
Andesite.html
http://www.pitt.edu/~cejones/GeoImages/2IgneousRocks/IgneousCompositions/7
Rhyolite.html
http://www.itcromanazzi.it/.../materiali.htm
http://www.pitt.edu/~cejones/GeoImages/6MetamorphicRocks/Quartzite.html
http://www.pitt.edu/~cejones/GeoImages/6MetamorphicRocks/Marble.html
http://www.geo.umn.edu/mgs/virt_egg/sandstone.htm
http://www.otago.ac.nz/geology/features/rocks-minerals/rocks.html
http://www.pitt.edu/~cejones/GeoImages/6MetamorphicRocks/Slate.html
http://www.drexel.edu/coe/enggeo/rocks.html
http://www.es.ucl.ac.uk/schools/Glossary/schist.htm
http://www.calstatela.edu/faculty/acolvil/igneous.html
http://www.pitt.edu/~cejones/GeoImages/6MetamorphicRocks/Gneiss.html
http://www.pitt.edu/~cejones/GeoImages/2IgneousRocks/IgneousCompositions/6
Granite.html
http://www.calstatela.edu/faculty/acolvil/sediments.html
http://www.library.csi.cuny.edu/dept/as/sed/det.htm
http://www.geo.umn.edu/mgs/virt_egg/sandstone.htm
http://www.drexel.edu/coe/enggeo/rocks.html
http://www.scsc.k12.ar.us/2000backeast/ENatHist/Members/Reynolds/Default.ht
m
http://www.otago.ac.nz/geology/features/rocks-minerals/rocks.html
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~adg/adg-pssuaimages.html
http://www.chem.ox.ac.uk/icl/heyes/structure_of_solids/Lecture2/Lec2.html
http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/watercycleevaporation.html
http://www.ecology.com/good-green-earth/earthworms/index.html
Keywords:
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Igneous rock
Metamorphic rock
Sedimentary rock
Authors:
Graduate Fellow Name: Randi Manier Wilson
Teacher Mentor Name: Kelly Lazo
Undergraduate Fellow Name: Hannah Childress
Please email us your comments on this lesson:
E-mail to ljohnson@cvm.tamu.edu
Please include the title of the lesson, whether you are a teacher, resident scientist or
college faculty and what grade you used it for.
Teacher’s Comments: