Geology of Table Rock - 7th - On-site Activity/Interpreter
Led
Grade Level: 7
Content Area: Science
Time
to Complete: 75 minutes
Title of Lesson:
Carrick Creek Hike
South Carolina State Standards Addressed:
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I.A.1.a.1. |
Observe patterns of objects and events. |
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I.A.1.a.2. |
Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative observations. |
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I.A.1.d.1. |
Make inferences based on observations. |
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I.A.1.e.1. |
Predict the results of actions based on patterns in data and experiences. |
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III.A.1.a. |
Distinguish among weathering, erosion, and deposition. |
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III.A.1.b. |
Examine how physical weathering and chemical weathering breaks rocks into fragments. |
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III.A.1.c. |
Investigate and examine how the Earth's surface is constantly changing by weathering, erosion,
deposition and human impact. |
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III.A.1.d. |
Examine the effects of weathering, erosion, and deposition on the formation of major landform
regions in South Carolina. |
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III.A.1.e. |
Relate the fertility of floodplains to the deposition of sediments. |
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III.A.3.a. |
Define groundwater, runoff, drainage divide and drainage basin (watershed). |
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III.A.3.b. |
Infer what happens to water that does not soak into the ground or evaporate. |
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III.A.3.c. |
Analyze the factors that affect runoff. |
Lesson Description:
Students will hike a section of the Carrick Creek Trail at Table Rock State
Park. They will observe evidence of chemical and physical weathering, erosion, and deposition.
Focus Questions For Students:
|
1. |
How do sediments get into Carrick Creek; where do they come from? |
|
2. |
How do different rock materials react to agents of erosion (wind, water, etc.)? |
|
3. |
Does the appearance of stream sediment change as you hike upstream? |
|
4. |
Does stream velocity change as slope changes? |
Culminating Assessment:
Have students identify one feature along the Carrick Creek Trail and explain how it got there and why it is interesting to them.
Material/Equipment/Resources (Per Class):
Teacher Preparation:
| 1. |
Read background information. |
| 2. |
Be
prepared to discuss stream erosion
procedures. |
Background Information:
The Carrick Creek Trail is a lasso-shaped, park maintained trail,
that starts near the parking lot at Pinnacle Lake and winds up and down for several miles as it crisscrosses Carrick Creek. Multiple examples of physical and chemical weathering, erosion, and
deposition can be seen along the creek and its banks. The rocks in this area consist of two main types, a resistant granitic gneiss and a less resistant amphibolite gneiss.
For further information, read the background information from the SC MAPS Teaching Manual, 2000 Edition, Characteristic Landforms of the Blue Ridge (page 2-2), Rationale (page 2A-1) and Introduction (page 2A-2).
Procedures:
Arrange students in pairs for the hike. Talk about
safety procedures.
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Stop 1
|
The large angular rock by the entrance of Carrick Creek into Pinnacle Lake. Notice the flat sides,
rounded corners, and chemical weathering.
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Stop 2
|
Upstream a few yards to view stream bottom. Notice large amount of organic litter and slow flow rate
of stream.
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Stop 3
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Upstream a few yards after the bridge to view stream bottom. Look at rounded vs. angular rock
fragments. **Take first sediment sample here.
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Stop 4
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Large rocks along the side of the road. Look for evidence of physical and chemical weathering, and
evidence of human activity.
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Stop 5
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Wooden bridge after entrance to trail. Examine very large stream boulder. Make estimate of its mass.
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Stop 6
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First place to view waterfall. Observe rocks that compose waterfall. Discuss why waterfall formed.
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Stop 7
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Water seepage from rocks near trail. Water coming from ground must have origin. Discuss where it
came from.
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Stop 8
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Macadam path where tree roots are pushing up. Discuss mechanical (physical weathering). Discuss why
path was placed here. **Caution. Tree roots can trip people.
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Stop 9
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Large flat rock area in creek. Notice water is slow. Discuss why water has slowed and what this does
to sediment load.
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Stop 10A
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Massive rock layering along stream bank. Discuss differential erosion.
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Stop 10B
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Large fallen chunk of rock in stream. Discuss what led up to this rock collapse.
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Stop 11
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Large wooden bridge. Good view of resistant vs. less resistant rock. Discuss rock type and
resistance in the Table Rock area. Diverge from trail by taking left spur. Caution about tripping roots.
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Stop 12
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First stream crossing. Compare bedload size and shape to area near entrance to lake. Rusted
amphibolite. **Take second sediment sample here.
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Stop 13
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Stream crossing with large fallen tree and organic buildup. Release methane bubbles and light with
match. Discuss look of bedload, organic breakdown.
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Stop 14
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Red rock and red soil on trail. Discuss why the rock material and soil are red in color.
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Stop 15
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Roots, roots, and more roots. Measure erosion here. Discuss why it is important to stay on trails.
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Stop 16
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Bizarre tree growing way above ground. Measure erosion here. Compare to earlier measurement. Discuss
other theories.
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Stop 17
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Potholes at end of hike. Discuss what could make pothole.
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|
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**Optional: Use leaf to measure rate of water flow. Notice lichens growing on rock. Discuss physical
weathering. Take sediment sample here. Head back toward parking lot. If time permits make optional stops below.
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Stop 18
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Large fallen tree. Discuss what happens to tree material as it decays.
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Stop 19
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Rusty soil in large stump on right side. Notice the mineral fragments present with chemical
weathered surfaces.
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Stop 20
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Back to large flat area. Notice intrusions in rocks. Look for evidence of potholes here.
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|
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**Obtain third sediment sample (swimming beach) from Park Interpreter.
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