Lesson+8

Grade Level:  9

Unit:  Earth Science

Lesson Objectives (include 4 or 5): Student will understand  Student will be able to  Time Required to complete this lesson:  2 or 3 class periods
 * How mineral layers can form from sediments.
 * How sedimentary minerals are classified according to their texture and chemical makeup.
 * How the geological history of a region can be determined by sedimentary formations and fossils.
 * Interpret mineral maps.
 * Recognize mineral samples by type.

Title of lesson:  History of sedimentary formations

Description of lesson (if you were to describe to a parent what was happening in the classroom for this lesson, what would you say in 3-5 sentences).  The main goal of this lesson is to teach students how minerals such as sandstone, limestone, shale, and coal form from such diverse substances as sand, mud, seashell fragments, and even decayed plants. Such substances (called **sediments**) were deposited into layers (**strata**) throughout the earth's history. In conjunction with fossils characteristic to a particular time period found within these strata as well as radioactive dating, the age of a sedimentary formation can be estimated. Students will learn to interpret mineral formation maps in class and may also have the opportunity to visit the geologic park at the I-70 roadcut as well as Dinosaur Ridge (both just west of Denver) to see these formations in nature. Mineral samples will also be displayed in class.

Assignment (homework or in-class: this is how the learner will practice the learning that has just occurred):  These subjects will most likely be covered in quizzes or exams.

Resources/materials needed:  Mineral samples, real or digitized mineral maps, Time Toast timeline and accompanying diagram depicting the history of sedimentary deposition in the Grand Canyon on this site, Rock Cycle video on my Top 11 Science Videos playlist accessible from a link on the Science Theater page.

Technology used:  Digitized mineral maps may be accessed via the Internet or converted to Power Point slides. Time Toast timeline.

The technology used in this lesson changes the teaching / learning in this way: The use of digitized mineral maps eliminates the need for paper maps, which may be expensive and not very durable. The Time Toast timeline helps the students visualize a chronology of rock formation events as well as understand more about the rock layers of the Grand Canyon. The Rock Cycle video can be accessed from any computer.