This document provides information about classifying rocks into three main categories: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Students are tasked with classifying three rock samples using characteristics like color, texture, mineral composition and origin. They complete a rock data record sheet for each sample using information from websites listed as resources. The skills learned allow students to determine rock types based on the characteristics geologists use to classify rocks.

1. Classifying Rocks Title: Classifying Rocks Description: Characteristics used to identify rocks into 3 main categories Grade Level :4-6 Curriculum: Science Keywords: classify rocks, identify characteristics, color, texture, mineral composition, origin, igneous rock, sedimentary rock, metamorphic rock

2. Introduction OH NO! Professor Rockbottom asked you to retrieve his rock collection from the storage closet. On the way back to the laboratory you tripped! Several of the rocks have fallen out of the case. Now you have to determine whether the rocks should be returned to the Igneous Rock, Sedimentary Rock, or the Metamorphic Rock compartment. Complete the following web quest to help you repair the Professors collection and discover what characteristics geologists use to identify rocks.

3. Task Students will be given & shown three different rock samples. They will use geology websites provided by the web quest which contain charts and information to distinguish the rocks characteristics. Students will then classify each rock as either igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic. Once the rocks have been identified they can be returned to their proper places in Professor Rockbottom’s collection.

4. Process : Using at least 5 of the websites listed in the Resource Section to create a rock record sheet (see resources print one copy per rock sample) for each of the three rock samples. Answer the questions on the sheet to help you classify each rock sample as either, Igneous, Sedimentary, or Metamorphic. Use detailed observations. Be sure to make note of the websites you use on the record sheet. Rock#1 Rock#3 Rock#2

5. Internet Resources Title: Rock Hounds URL: http://www.fi.edu/fellows/fellow1/oct98/create/metamorph.htm Title: Interactive Rock Cycle URL: http:// www.annenbergmedia.org/interactives/rockcycle/types.html Title: Mineral Galleries URL : http:// www.galleries.com/rocks/pumice.htm Title: About. Com Geology URL: http://geology.about.com/od/rocks/ig/igrockindex/rocpicpumice.htm Title: Rocks for Kids URL: http:// www.rocksforkids.com/RFK/identification.html#Colour Title: Geoman’s Rock Identification URL: http://jersey.uoregon.edu/~mstrick/MinRockID/RockID/RockIDChart.html Title: Scilinks URL: www.scilinks.org/searchbycode.aspx Title: Rocks and Fossils URL: www.sciencepppst.com/rocks.html Print Resources Prentice Hall Science Explorer Inside Earth -Pearson (on line edition available)

6. Conclusion: Congratulations! At the end of this web quest, you will have gained the skills necessary to classify rocks into the Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic rock categories! You have learned what characteristics geologists use to determine rock types. You have also helped Professor Rockbottom, retrieve is precious rock collection. If you enjoyed this web quest feel free to check out Title: Interactive Rock Cycle http:// www.annenbergmedia.org/interactives/rockcycle/types.html to create an online rock collection of your own! Credits & Acknowledgments: Geology.com www.pppst/clipart www.dreamstime.com Microsoft word clipart

7. Rubric Rock Identification Rubric Score 3 Criteria- Student correctly identified all 3 rock samples provided evidence for choice Student filled in classifying chart using detailed observations & scientific vocabulary Drawings neatly done and labeled Score 2 Criteria- Student correctly identified 2 or more of the rock samples, provided some evidence for choices Classifying chart provides some detailed observation, little scientific vocabulary Drawings are present ,partially labeled Score 1 Criteria Student correctly identified 1 or none of the rock samples, provided little or no evidence for identification choice Classifying chart contains, few observations no scientific vocabulary Drawings are sloppy, few or no labels

8. Rock Data Record Sheet Rock number ___________ Drawing Description of Rock Mineral Composition & Color _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Size _________________________________________ Texture ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Choose one: Coarse grained or Fine grained Supporting evidence for choice is ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Choose one: Banded or non-banded Supported evidence for choice is ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Conclusion: According to the evidence presented Rock # ______ is…______________________________________________________________.