Bedrock Geology Activities

Bedrock Geology Activities

© 2002 American Geological Institute.http://www.agiweb.org

Contents: All Activities and Investigations
Activity 1 
Activity 2 
Activity 3 
Activity 4 
Activity 5 
Activity 6 
Activity 7 

Students are challenged to produce a brochure for their local Bed and Breakfast Association that educates the public about the geologic history of their community. 
Students will:

• Understand how sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks are formed. 
• Understand how and why bedrock geology fits in with the rest of the Earth systems.  
• Participate in scientific inquiry and construct logical conclusions based on evidence.  
• Describe how the principles of Earth science relate to geologic change. 

Activity 1  --  Sedimentary Rocks and the Geologic History of Your Community

To learn more about this topic, visit the following web sites: 1. Sedimentary Rocks in the Earth's Crust

What is a geologic map and how is it used?  Society for Sedimentary Geology (SEPM) 

Learn more about how to understand geologic maps using this sample lesson plan.
(http://www.beloit.edu/~SEPM/Maps/geologic_maps.html)

Image Gallery for Geology, University of North Carolina 

See more examples of sedimentary rocks.
(http://www.geosci.unc.edu/faculty/glazner/Images/SedRocks/SedRocks.html)

2. Clasitc, Chemical, and Organic Sedimentary Rocks

Sedimentary Rocks Laboratory, Georgia Perimeter College 

Read a thorough discussion of clastic, chemical, and organic sedimentary rocks.  Illustrations accompany each description. 
(http://www.gpc.peachnet.edu/~pgore/geology/historical_lab/sedrockslab.php)

Textures and Structures of Sedimentary Rocks, Duke University 

View a collection of slides of different sedimentary rocks as either outcrops or thin sections viewed through a microscope.

(http://www.geo.duke.edu/geo41/seds.htm)

3. How Sediment Becomes Rock

Bedform Sedimentology Site, USGS 

Read an in-depth background on sedimentary features such as cross bedding, bedforms, and paleocurrents. 
(http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/seds)

4. Classifying Sedimentary Rocks

"Sedimentary Rock Classification Table" - P.J. W. Gore, Department of Geology, Georgia Perimeter College 

(http://www.gpc.peachnet.edu/~pgore/geology/historical_lab/sedrocktable.htm)

"Rocks 101" - USGS and NPS 

Site explains how all rocks are classified.  Click on terms to be taken to new pages that give greater detail.
(http://www.aqd.nps.gov/grd/usgsnps/rxmin/rockchart.html)

"Sedimentary rocks and sedimentary rock classification" - Ocean Drilling Program 

(http://www-odp.tamu.edu/curation/gcr/geol106lab/classifications.htm)

To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity: To learn more about sedimentary rocks and energy resources, visit the following web site:

"How Fossil Fuels Formed" - DOE 

(http://www.fe.doe.gov/education/energy2.html)

"How Coal Is Formed" - Kentucky Educational Television and the American Coal Foundation 

This site contains a brief overview of how coal is formed. 
(http://www.ket.org/Trips/Coal/AGSMM/agsmmhow.html)

"Fossil Fuels" - Penn State University 

Reviews how hydrocarbon deposits (including oil and gas) deposits form in list format.
(http://www.geosc.psu.edu/People/Faculty/FacultyPages/Kubicki/fossilfuelforms.html)

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Activity 2  --  Igneous Rocks and the Geologic History of Your Community

To learn more about this topic:

1.  The Nature of Igneous Rocks
 
• Igneous Rocks Lesson - Volcano World  
View a slide show about igneous rocks.  The lesson is part of a series of lessons called "Rocks and Minerals."  To see the complete outline of the lesson go to: 
(http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/vwlessons/lessons/lesson.html )
• Igneous Rock Tour - California State University Long Beach  

A self-guided tour through igneous rocks with hand sample and outcrop pictures of different igneous rocks.  Page also includes quiz with answer key. 
(http://seis.natsci.csulb.edu/basicgeo/IGNEOUS_TOUR.html)

2.  Magma, Lava, and Igneous Rocks
 
• Composition of Magma  

Find out more about how the chemical composition of magma varies in igneous rocks.  The discussion is not
limited to just extrusive rocks, but includes intrusive rocks as well.  (http://www.stmarys.ca/academic/science/geology/earth/pubigneous/composition.html)
• Magma, Lava, Lava Flows, etc.  

Learn more background information about lava and the hazards associated with lava flows. 
(http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Glossary/LavaFlows/description_lava_flows.html)
3.  Classifying Igneous Rocks: Texture
 
• Atlas of Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks, MInerals, and Textures, University of North Carolina 

See examples of plutonic (intrusive igneous rocks) and volcanic (extrusive igneous rocks).
(http://www.geolab.unc.edu/Petunia/IgMetAtlas/mainmenu.html)
• Igneous Rock Classification, James Madison University 

Read an advanced discussion of igneous rock classification.  Site includes a table with some of the information in a more condensed form. 
(http://geollab.jmu.edu/Fichter/IgnRx/igclass.html (text)
http://geollab.jmu.edu/Fichter/IgnRx/keyc-t.html (table))
4.  Classifying Igneous Rocks: Chemical and Mineral Composition
 
• Igneous Rock Classification, James Madison University 

Color and Composition table: http://geollab.jmu.edu/Fichter/IgnRx/simpclass.html
Mineral Assemblage Table: http://geollab.jmu.edu/Fichter/IgnRx/IgnRx.html

5.  Explosive Volcanic Eruptions
 

• 20th Century Volcanic Eruptions and Their Impact, USGS 

Learn about several case studies and find links to get further information about each eruption.
(http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/LivingWith/VolcanicFacts/volcanic_impact.html)

 
To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity: To learn more about Ship Rock, New Mexico, visit the following web site:

• Ship Rock, New Mexico Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources 

(http://www.geoinfo.nmt.edu/tour/shiprock.html)
 To learn more about the Sierra Nevada Batholith in Yosemite National Park, California, visit the following web site:
• Yosemite National Park, National Park Service 

(http://www.nps.gov/yose/)
To learn more about Devil's Postpile National Monument, California, visit the following web site:
• Devil's Postpile National Park, National Park Service 

(http://www.nps.gov/depo/)

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Activity 3  --  Metamorphic Rocks and Your Community

To learn more about this topic:

1.  Formation of Metamorphic Rocks
 
• Metamorphic Rocks for Earth and Space Science for Middle School Teachers, Georgia Perimeter College 

This site provides a good overview of the processes that form and the properties that determine different types of metamorphic rocks.  It also  includes links to related pages on other topics in geology. 
(http://www.gpc.peachnet.edu/~pgore/Earth&Space/metamorphic-notes.html)
• Lectures Slides on Metamorphic Rocks, University of British Columbia 

Learn about metamorphic settings, facies concept, rock names, and textures.
(http://www.science.ubc.ca/~geol202/meta/metamorphic.html)
• Metamorphic Rocks-Physical Geology, William and Mary 

This overview acts as a good outline about how metamorphic rocks form.
(http://www.wm.edu/geology/geo101/Lecture11/)
2.  Deformation in Metamorphism
 
• Metamorphism and Metamorphic Rocks, Tulane University 

Find out happens when temperature and pressure deform a rock.  Description includes clear black and white diagrams to support explanation. 
(http://www.tulane.edu/~sanelson/geol111/metamorphic.htm)
3.  Foliation in Metamorphic Rocks
• Metamorphic Rocks Lab Notes, University of Illinois 

Read a detailed discussion that includes a section about foliation in different types of metamorphic rocks. 
(http://www.geology.uiuc.edu/~xsong/courses/geol250/lectures/lect6/metamorphic.html)
4.  The Protoliths of Metamorphic Rocks
• Use this table to find out the protoliths of different metamorphic rocks.  

http://home.att.net/~cochrans/metrok01.htm

To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity: To learn more about the formation of metamorphic rocks in the Appalachian Mountains, visit the following web site:

• Guidebooks from the New England Intercollegiate Geological Conference 

(http://neigc.org/NEIGC/Guidebooks.html)

To learn more how hydrothermal alteration leads to the formation of valuable ore deposits, visit the following web site:

• Effects of Metamorphism on Ore Deposits 

(http://www.geo.ucalgary.ca/~tmenard/ores/ores.html)

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Activity 4  --  Rock Units and Your Community

To learn more about this topic: 1. Rock Units
 

• What is a geologic map and how is it used?  Society for Sedimentary Geology (SEPM) 

Learn more about how to understand geologic maps using this sample lesson plan.
(http://www.beloit.edu/~SEPM/Maps/geologic_maps.html)
• Reading Geologic Maps, About.com 

Follow this tutorial on how to read and use geologic maps. 
(http://geology.about.com/science/geology/library/weekly/aa100800a.htm)
• Geologic Maps, USGS 

Read and explanation of how geologic features and rock units are shown on geologic maps.
(http://geology.wr.usgs.gov/docs/parks/gmap/gmap1.html)
2. Sedimentary Rock Units
 
• Sediment Exercise 

(http://gly1000-01.su00.fsu.edu/sed/Sed6.html)
• Grand Canyon Explorer 

Read about such topics as:  how was it formed?;  where did all the rock come from?;  why does it look like it does?; when did all this happen?
(http://www.Kaibab.org/gc/geology/gc_geol.htm)

3. Igneous Rock Units
 

• Atlas of Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks, Minerals, and Textures, University of North Carolina 

See examples of plutonic (intrusive igneous rocks) and volcanic (extrusive igneous rocks) textures.
(http://www.geolab.unc.edu/Petunia/IgMetAtlas/mainmenu.html)
4. Metamorphic Rock Units
 
• Atlas of Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks, Minerals, and Textures 

See examples of different microtextures of metamorphic rocks.
(http://www.geolab.unc.edu/Petunia/IgMetAtlas/meta-micro/metamicro.html)

 
To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity, each student will need:
1.  Making Sedimentary Formations:
• Two (different) colored batches of sand 
• Roasting pan. 

2.  Making plutons:

• Several (different) colors of clay 
• Caulk, toothpaste, or cake frosting 

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Activity 5  --  Structural Geology and Your Community

To learn more about this topic:

1.  Forces in the Earth's Crust:
 
• Continental drift -- One Theory's Journey  

Read a detailed summary of how the theory behind continental drift evolved. 
(http://whyfiles.org/094quake/5.html)
• Plate Tectonics 

View a slide show with color photos and descriptions about plate tectonics.   Site also includes a list of sample lesson plans, key concepts, references, and activities.
(http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/vwlessons/plate_tectonics/introduction.html)
• Birth of the Himalaya 

Learn more about the tallest mountain in the world.  This page is part of an entire site dedicated to Mount Everest. 
(http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/everest/earth/birth.html)
• Science for Everyone: Solid Earth Sciences, American Geophysical Union 

(http://www.agu.org/sci_soc/everyonese.html) 
Skim through a selection of articles on earthquakes, volcanoes, and other topics related to the solid earth.  Here are a few samples:
• "Roof of the Earth" Offers Clues About How Our Planet Was Shaped  

The Himalaya-Tibet region includes all but one of the world's peaks above 7000 m and is called the "roof of the world" by geographers.
(http://www.agu.org/sci_soc/EOSsokhabi.html)
• Volcanic Eruption at a New Zealand Ski Resort Prompts Reevaluation of Hazards  

Researchers are reviewing the 1995 event to help ensure that future volcanic eruptions do not take visitors by surprise.
(http://www.agu.org/sci_soc/eisnairn.html)
• Defining the Subsurface Structure in Earthquake Country 

In the Los Angeles Region Seismic Experiment, researchers employed air-guns and explosions to study earthquake hazards. Setting off small sources of noise from the Pacific Ocean to the Mojave Desert, they measured how sound vibrations penetrate or bounce off faults and substrata and constructed images of the subsurface structure that may lead to better prediction of earthquakes in Southern California.
(http://www.agu.org/sci_soc/eisfuis.html)

2.  Faults:
 
• Visual Glossary, USGS 

Check out diagrams for a normal, reverse, and strike-slip faults.
(http://geology.wr.usgs.gov/docs/parks/deform/gfaults.html)
• Fault Tutorial, Goddard Space Center, NASA 

Check out these faults as seen from space!
(http://priede.bf.lu.lv/GIS/Descriptions/Remote_Sensing/An_Online_Handbook/Sect2/nicktutor_2-7.shtml)
• Lecture Notes: Deformation, University of California Santa Cruz 

Learn more about the forces that create faults and folds. 
(http://www.es.ucsc.edu/~jsr/EART10/Lectures/HTML/lecture.16.html)
3.  Folds:
 
• Basic Types of Folds, Georgia Perimeter College 

See examples of the basic types of folds, anticlines and synclines.
(http://www.gpc.peachnet.edu/~pgore/geology/geo101/folds.htm)
• Fold Tutorial, Goddard Space Center, NASA 

Ever wonder how a geologic feature you can see on the surface might look from space?
(http://priede.bf.lu.lv/GIS/Descriptions/Remote_Sensing/An_Online_Handbook/Sect2/nicktutor_2-6.shtml)

4.  Using Models to Investigate Geologic Structures
 

• Geologic animations and paper models, The Learning Web, USGS 

This page includes links to animations that cover many concepts in geology.
(http://www.usgs.gov/education/animations/)

To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity: 1.  Geologic structures in the National Parks:

• Geologic map and cross section of the Grand Tetons in Wyoming 

(http://www.sdvc.uwyo.edu/24k/bedgeol.html)
• Geologic Maps, USGS 

Read and explanation of how geologic features and rock units are shown on geologic maps.
(http://geology.wr.usgs.gov/docs/parks/gmap/gmap1.html)

2.  To learn more about careers in structural geology and how to contact a structural geologist, visit the following web sites:

• Careers in the Geosciences, AGI 

(http://www.agiweb.org/career/)

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Activity 6  --  Reading the Geologic History of Your Community

To learn more about this topic: 1.  Geologic Events and Processes

• Science for Everyone (http://www.agu.org/sci_soc/everyone.html), American Geophysical Union 

Read articles on the following topics: 
• atmospheric science 

http://www.agu.org/sci_soc/everyoneat.html
• climate and global change 

http://www.agu.org/sci_soc/everyonecl.html
• hydrologic sciences 

http://www.agu.org/sci_soc/everyonehy.html
• ocean sciences 

http://www.agu.org/sci_soc/everyoneoc.html
• planetary sciences 

http://www.agu.org/sci_soc/everyonepl.html
• solid earth sciences 

http://www.agu.org/sci_soc/everyonese.html
• space sciences 

http://www.agu.org/sci_soc/everyonesp.html

2.  Interpreting Geologic History
 

• Geologic Time, William Newman, USGS 

To learn more, check out this complete online manual about geologic time and the age of the Earth.
(http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/geotime/contents.html)
• Geologic Time Machine, University of California Berkeley 

Travel through links that will take you from 4.5 Billions years ago to the present.
(http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/help/timeform.html)

3.  Unconformities
 

• Unconformities in the Grand Canyon, Northeastern University 

Site includes pictures of several unconformities that are seen in the Grand Canyon.
(http://www.casdn.neu.edu/~geology/department/staff/naylor/geo1212/gc_unc.htm)
To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity: 1.  To learn more about biostratigraphy and radiometric dating, visit the following web site:

• Geologic Age - Using Radioactive Decay to Determine Geologic Age (for grades 7 - 12), USGS 

http://interactive2.usgs.gov/learningweb/teachers/geoage.htm

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Activity 7  --  Geology on the Move

To learn more about this topic:

1.  The Earth's Continents
 
• This Dynamic Planet, USGS 

Check out the story behind plate tectonics and piecing together the continents. 
(http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/dynamic.html)
2.  The Movement of Continents
 
• Continents on the Move, NOVA (PBS) 

Enjoy these detailed and well illustrated pages about how we understand that continents are on the move.
(http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ice/continents/)
• The PaleoMap Project 

This site includes animations of moving continents through geologic time.
(http://www.scotese.com/earth.htm)

3.  The Geologic History of North America
 

• Tapestry and Terrain, USGS 

Study a new map of the United States that combines the geologic map with a physiographic map.
(http://tapestry.wr.usgs.gov)

 
To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity:

1. Development of the Appalachian Mountains 

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Resources: Web Sites:

• The PaleoMap Project 

http://www.scotese.com/earth.htm
• Science for Everyone  

http://www.agu.org/sci_soc/everyone.html
• Geologic Maps of States Online 

http://geology.about.com/science/geology/cs/geomapsusstates/
• Image Gallery of Geology 

http://www.geosci.unc.edu/faculty/glazner/Images/gallery.html
• Stories Written in Stone Online 

http://www.bsu.edu/eft/stone/resources.html
• Society for Sedimentary Geology, K-12 Earth Science 

http://www.beloit.edu/~SEPM/index.html
• United States Geological Survey (USGS) home page 

http://www.usgs.gov/

Maps:

• Geologic maps: State and local: 
• The United States Geological Survey National Geologic Map Database contains information on how and where to obtain geologic maps. (http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/) 
• Your state Geological Survey - find your state survey on-line at Association of American State Geologists (http://www.kgs.ukans.edu/AASG/AASG.html). 
• Download state geologic maps at About.com's site.  (http://geology.about.com/science/geology/cs/geomapsusstates/) 
• Reading Geologic Maps - informative review on how to read and interpret geologic maps.  (http://geology.about.com/science/geology/library/weekly/aa100800a.htm) 

 
• Geologic maps: Regional (two or more states): 
• The on-line bookstore of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (http://bookstore.AAPG.org; 918-584-2555) 
• Topographic maps: Local 
• The United States Geological Survey MapFinder allows you to order 7.5 minute maps online for $4 per map plus $5 s/h per order. (http://edc.usgs.gov/Webglis/glisbin/finder_main.pl?dataset_name=MAPS_LARGE) 
• The United States Geological Survey maintains a list of Map Dealers.  Click on your state to obtain a list of retailers who sell maps. (http://mapping.usgs.gov/esic/map_dealers/) 
• The United States Geological Survey National Geologic Map Database site on How to find topographic maps (http://ngmsvr.wr.usgs.gov/Other_Resources/rdb_topo.html) 
• TopoZone site allows you to download topographic maps (including USGS maps) for free, at various scales (from 1:100,000 to 1:24,000).  (http://www.topozone.com/) 
• MapServer offers free online viewing of topo, nautical and aeronautical charts plus high altitude digital ortho quads (nav photos). (www.maptech.com and www.mapserver.maptech.com) 
• General Map Resources: 
• An excellent list of map resources available online can be found on the Central Michigan University Resources for Earth Science and Geography Instruction web site.  Included are links to sites to make maps, as well as links to free downloadable outline maps, satellite imagery, GPS, and GIS databases. (http://personal.cmich.edu/~franc1m/locamap.htm) 
• "Maps" - USGS Earth Science Information Center, includes general map information, from how to read maps to how to obtain them.  Also includes links to further information regarding topographic, thematic, planetary maps, and more. (http://ask.usgs.gov/maps.html) 
• National Geographic (maps and videos): 1-800-962-1643 (http://www.nationalgeographic.com/maps/index.html) 
• "Maps of the United States" - USGS fact sheet, contains a series of depictions of the United States, along with information on how to obtain additional US maps. (http://www.usgs.gov/fact-sheets/maps-us/index.html) 
• "Maps of the World" - USGS fact sheet, contains a series of world maps, including outline maps, seismicity maps, and political maps.  Also contains information for ordering more specific world maps. (http://www.usgs.gov/fact-sheets/maps-world/maps-world.html) 
• "National Atlas Maps" - USGS site of a variety of US maps that are available online, including shaded relief maps, aquifer maps, and further information on how to order maps not available online.  (http://www-atlas.usgs.gov/atlasmap.html?) 

Videos:

• The Standard Deviants: Geology Parts 1&2 (1998) or Part 1 (1999) 

Books:

• Eyewitness Handbooks, Rocks and Minerals.  Chris Pellant.  1992.  New York: Dorling Kindersley Inc. 
• Sedimentary Geologist's Guide to Helping K-12 Earth Science Teachers: Hints, Ideas, Activities and Resources (Molly F. 

Miller, R. Heather Macdonald, Linda E. Okland, Steven R. Roof, and Lauret E. Savoy, 1990, 92 p., paperbound, ISBN 0-918985-86-2. Catalog #81001. Price $6.00.) from the Society for Sedimentary Geology (http://www.beloit.edu/~SEPM/)
• The Teacher Friendly Guide to the Geology of the Northeastern United States, Paleontological Research Institute 

http://www.priweb.org/ed/TFGuide/TFG.html

Magazines:

• Geotimes.  Published by the American Geological Institute, this magazine reviews current issues in the Earth Sciences and can serve as a valuable supplemental resource for teachers and students alike.  Visit the web site for online articles and information about obtaining a one-year subscription (40% discount for AGI Member Society members; 65% discount for students). 

(http://www.geotimes.org/current/)
• Excellent sources of high-school level articles are in both National Geographic (which often has maps), and Science News 

(describing the most recent and interesting events in scientific research.) 

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