Geology of Table Rock - 8th - Post-site Activity/Teacher
Led
Grade Level:
8
Content Area: Science
Time
to Complete: 45 minutes
Title of Program:
Making a Metamorphic Rock
South Carolina State Standards
Addressed:
|
8-1.1 |
Design a
controlled scientific experiment. |
|
8-1.2 |
Recognize the
importance of a systematic process for safety and accurately conducting
experiments. |
|
8-1.3 |
Construct
explanations and conclusions from interpretations of data obtained
during a controlled scientific investigation. |
|
8-1.4 |
Generate
questions for further study on the basis of prior investigations. |
|
8-1.5 |
Explain
the importance of and requirements for replication of scientific
investigations. |
|
8-1.6 |
Use
appropriate tools and instruments. |
|
8-1.7 |
Use
appropriate safety procedures when conducting investigations. |
|
8-3.4 |
Explain
how igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks are interrelated in
the rocks cycle. |
|
8-3.6 |
Explain
how the theory of plate tectonics accounts for the motion of the
lithospheric plates, the geologic activities at the plate boundaries
and the changes in landform areas over geologic time. |
|
8-3.7 |
Illustrate
the creation and changing of landforms that have occurred through
geologic processes (including volcanic eruptions and
mountain-building forces). |
Lesson Description:
Students will perform a hands-on activity making a foliated metamorphic rock.
Focus Questions for Students:
|
1. |
Where causes foliation? |
|
2. |
What causes recrystallization? |
|
3. |
Can the mineral composition of a rock change during metamorphism? |
Culminating Assessment:
Have students write a short story describing the history of a granitic rock that experienced metamorphism.
Materials/Equipment/Resources (Per Group):
Teacher Preparation:
|
1. |
Read background information. |
|
2. |
Be prepared to answer questions
about the processes that cause
metamorphism and foliation. |
Background Information:
Blue Ridge rocks are composed of various types of igneous and metamorphic rock, especially granite-gneiss and amphibolite. Many of the rocks that form the Blue Ridge
Mountains started out deep
underground as large igneous intrusions of granite that were eventually uplifted and metamorphosed. During this metamorphism, high temperature and pressure totally recrystallized the original
minerals. The dominant minerals now present in the rock in this area are quartz and feldspar (light color) and amphibole (dark color).
Oatmeal and chocolate chips can be metamorphosed too. By
applying pressure, the oatmeal grains will move into a parallel alignment (foliation) and by applying heat, the chocolate chips will melt first and then later cool and harden, (recrystallize).
Procedures:
|
1. |
Divide into groups of three or four. |
|
2. |
Place half your oatmeal and 1 tablespoon of water into a paper cup. Notice the random nature of the oatmeal flakes. |
|
3. |
Add your chocolate chips and cover with the rest of your oatmeal. Add another tablespoon of water. |
|
4. |
Now carefully place another paper cup into the one you have filled with ingredients. Slowly but steadily, push down on the second cup for thirty seconds. |
|
5. |
Next, take your rock mix and place it carefully in a cup of hot water for one minute. Don't let the water level rise above the lip of the cup
and overflow into the oatmeal mix. |
|
6. |
Remove the cups from the water, let your "rock" cool for one minute, then carefully cut away the paper cup and examine your creation. |
|
7. |
Answer the Metamorphosis
questions. |
|
* |
Safety caution! Test your hot water temperature. It is being used to melt chocolate and should NOT be scalding hot. (Maximum temperature = 1200F-Do NOT Exceed.)
|
| * |
If you wish to make edible rocks, try toasting the oatmeal ahead of time and adding some brown sugar to you recipe. |
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