Geology is the study of our planet's earth materials and natural resources. The Soils, Rocks, and Landforms Module provides students with firsthand experiences with soils, rocks, and minerals, and modeling experiences to study changes to rocks and landforms at Earth's surface.
Investigation 1: Soils and Weathering
Students investigate properties of soil by comparing four different soils. They learn that soils are composed of essentially the same types of materials (inorganic earth materials and humus), but the amounts of the materials vary. They begin to explore how rocks break into smaller pieces through physical and chemical weathering. Students go outdoors to explore and compare properties of local soils.
Investigation 2: Landforms
Students use stream-table models to observe that water moves earth materials from one location to another. They investigate the variables of slope and water quantity and plan and conduct their own stream-table investigations. Students look for evidence of erosion and deposition outdoors. Students are introduced to processes that cause rapid changes to Earth's surface: landslides, earthquakes, floods, and volcanoes.
Investigation 3: Rocks and Minerals
Students collect local rocks and describe their observable properties. Then they focus on minerals that make up rocks and test common minerals for properties of hardness, streak, luster, and magnetism. They observe 11 common rock-forming minerals and use a Mineral Properties Table and geologists' tests to identify the minerals. They study granite and determine what minerals make up this common igneous rock.
Investigation 4: Natural Resources
Students review what they have learned in Investigations 1-3. Then they focus on earth materials as renewable and nonrenewable natural resources. They learn the importance of earth materials as resources. The class makes a stepping stone out of concrete and goes on a schoolyard walk to find objects and structures and considers what natural resources were used to construct them.