Integrating ICT

What kind of rocks?

References/Resources

Payton, T. (Ed.). (1999). Rock Hounds with Rocky: Discover How Rocks are Formed. Retrieved on September 29, 2007 from http://www.fi.edu/fellows/payton/rocks/create/index.html

Author(s) Unknown. (2002). Minerals. Retrieved on September 30, 2007 from http://www.theimage.com/mineral/index.htm

Wheeling Jesuit University/Center for Educational Technologies. (2005). The Rock Cycle. Retrieved on September 30, 2007 from http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/earthsysflr/rock.html

Science Grade 3

Description
Students would learn about rocks and minerals from websites listed above, texts if available and samples of rocks and minerals if available. They would explore the similarities and differences of the many properties. Students would learn the characteristics for classifying and identifying rocks and minerals. Students would each collect 5-10 samples around the school, home, or community that are different. They would then use the knowledge learned and the resources to classify the rocks. The would then share with the class a few of their finds.

General Learner Outcome
3-5 Demonstrate knowledge of materials that comprise Earth’s crust, and demonstrate skill in classifying these materials.

Specific Learner Outcomes
1. Compare samples of various kinds of rock, and identify similarities and differences.
2. Given a description of the properties of a particular rock or mineral, identify a sample rock or mineral that matches those properties. Properties that students should be able to describe and interpret include:
- colour
- lustre or “shininess”; e.g., shiny, dull, glassy, metallic, earthy
- texture; e.g., rough, smooth, uneven
- hardness, based on scratch tests with available materials
- presence of carbonates. Note that the presence of carbonates can be tested with vinegar or another mild acid
- crystal shape for minerals, or overall pattern of rocks.
3. Describe and classify a group of rocks and minerals, based upon the above properties.
4. Recognize that rocks are composed of a variety of materials; and given a course grained rock and magnifier, describe some of the component materials.

ICT Outcomes

C1 1.2 Process information from more than one source to retell what has been discovered.
C6 1.3 Use technology to support and present conclusions.
P2 1.1 Read information from a prepared database.
P3 1.1 Access images, such as clip art, to support communication.

Rationale
Technology would help this activity because Geology samples that contain different numbers of rocks and minerals can be expensive. Also the sample boxes usually include only one (maybe two, but not likely) variety of a particular rock or mineral making classification and identification difficult. Using online galleries allows students to look and compare with many different rocks, as different minerals could make the rocks appear different. The website where Discover How Rocks are Formed has animated processes for the rock formations. This adds some dimension to the activity and allows for different methods of teaching. This lesson could be taught without technology but I believe that the Technology adds to it.