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The Rock Cycle Learning Map:
Learning Outcomes
Established Goals:
1: Classify igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks by how they were formed.
2: Explain how rocks change through the rock cycle.
3. Determine the effects of weathering and erosion on rocks.
Understanding(s):
  • Students will understand that the three types of rocks change through the rock cycle.
  • Students will understand how weathering and erosion affect rocks.
Essential Question(s):
  • What are the characteristics of the three different types of rocks?
  • What conditions occur during each phase of the rock cycle?
  • What is the effect of weathering and erosion on rocks?
Students will know...
  • Students will know that rocks have been through all phases of the rock cycle, some multiple times.
  • Students will know that the Earth’s landscape has been shaped by the weathering and erosion of rocks.
Students will be able to...
  • Use related vocabulary in context when responding to the classroom blog.
  • Explain how rocks change through the rock cycle.
  • Identify real world examples of the impact of weathering and erosion.
OUTCOMES
Assessment Evidence
Performance Task(s):
  • Using an authentic collection of rocks, students will sort sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks.
  • Students will create their own sedimentary rock and write a summary about how they created the rock and what makes it a sedimentary rock.
  • Students will use the heat and pressure of their hands to create a simulated metamorphic rock using two differently flavored and colored Starburst candies and explain how the metamorphic rock was formed.
  • Students reflect and respond to the classroom blog using new vocabulary to demonstrate new learning.
  • Students will create a PowerPoint about one aspect of the Rock Cycle (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic, weathering, erosion)
Other Evidence:
  • Blog responses
  • Completion of webquest
  • Rock cycle thinksheet
  • K-W-L chart
  • Cooperative Learning Community Project (Sedimentary Rock)
  • Weathering and Erosion T-Chart
  • Individual Simulation (Metamorphic Rock)
  • Cooperative Learning Community Project: PowerPoint
ISTE/NETS for Students
  • 1. Creativity and Innovation
  • 2. Communication and Collaboration
  • 3. Research and Information Fluency
  • 4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making
  • 5. Digital Citizenship
  • 6. Technology Operations and Concepts
ISTE/NETS for Teachers
  • 1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity
  • 2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Experiences and Assessments
  • 3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning
  • 4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility
Materials
  • Coarse sand (group activity: sedimentary rock)
  • Elmer’s glue (group activity: sedimentary rock)
  • Clear plastic cups (group activity: sedimentary rock)
  • Two bags of Starburst candies (individual activity: metamorphic rock)
  • Wet Wipes (group activity: metamorphic rock)
  • Unlined paper for K-W-L chart
  • Smartboard/projector
  • Document camera
  • Student laptops
Teacher Action Steps Prior to First Lesson
  • Create K-W-L chart for document camera
Learning Plan
  1. Assess Prior Knowledge: Teacher facilitates a K-W-L chart as students create their own K-W-L chart titled “The Rock Cycle”.
  2. Anticipatory Set: a.) Show this video clip. The teacher reads the slides. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcfstbQyrzU&feature=player_embedded
b.) Introduce class to the teacher created wiki-get students excited about learning in the digital age!!!: http://therockingrockcycle.wikispaces.com/Welcome+to+The+Rock+Cycle%21
c.) Model how to navigate through the wiki, how to post in the discussion, and how to print documents needed for the project.
  1. Assignment 1: Interactive Tour of the Rock Cycle. See storyboard for detail directions. Add to K-W-L. Respond to discussion question.
  2. Assignment 2: Rock Worksheet-Igneous Rocks. Add to K-W-L. Respond to discussion question.
  3. Assignment 3: Rock Worksheet-Sedimentary Rocks. Add to K-W-L. Respond to discussion.
  4. Cooperative Group Activity: Make a sedimentary rock.
  5. Assignment 5: Rock Worksheet-Metamorphic Rocks. Add to K-W-L.
  6. Cooperative Group Activity: Make a metamorphic rock.
  7. Assignment 5: Weathering and erosion video and T-Chart. Add to K-W-L. Respond to discussion.

(Adapted from ASCD and Grant Wiggins & Jay McTighe http://www.grantwiggins.org/documents/UbDQuikvue1005.pdf)