Teacher Resources

 About this WebQuest

 

Background Information

The Rockin' Research WebQuest introduces students to internet research and authentic geology. It may be used as a stand-alone study, but it was created to supplement the Rocks and Minerals unit used in Cecil County Public Schools in Cecil County, Maryland. It is intended to combine lessons three and sixteen into a coherent study of rocks. There are no references in the WebQuest to the use of the materials contained in the Rocks and Minerals kit from Science and Technology for Children/Carolina Biological Supply. However, it would be perfectly appropriate to supplement the WebQuest with those materials as the user sees fit.

Because this WebQuest relies on the Maryland Geologic Survey (MGS), you will want to familiarize yourself with their website: http://www.mgs.md.gov/index.html. It is quite user friendly, but has little or no information geared toward children. As you preview the WebQuest, think about how you will personalize and expand on students' experience. Try to anticipate where your students may have difficulty and compensate for that before you begin. My best tip (for your own sanity!) is to have another adult, such as the Media Specialist or a parent volunteer, in the computer lab on the days where students are navigating the internet and taking notes. As their product for this WebQuest, students will fill out the MGS on-line survey, http://www.mgs.md.gov/survey.html, urging MGS to include their findings in a new section for kids.

 

Maryland Learning Outcomes

The MLOs are available in their entirety at http://mdk12.org/mspp/standards/science.

Scientific Inquiry
1.3.1 access and process information from readings, investigations, and/or oral communications
1.3.7 collect and record data using developmentally appropriate instruments
Critical Thinking
1.3.10 identify similarities and differences of objects, materials, concepts, and actions
1.3.16 modify ideas based on new information from developmentally appropriate readings, data, and the ideas of others
Applications of Science
1.3.18 apply scientific concepts to understand a new situation
Materials and Processes that Shape a Planet
2.3.1 describe the properties of Earth materials (i.e., soils, rocks, water), explain how they change and what causes those changes

 

Enduring Understandings and Essential Questions

Earth materials have unique properties by which we identify them. When two or more materials are combined they make a new material with its own properties.
What are the properties of rocks?
How can those properties be identified?
Scientists use a specific set of skills to discover information.
How do geologists apply scientific skills?
In what ways are reading and writing connected to geology?

 

Evaluation

A variety of methods should be used to evaluate students' progress during this WebQuest. I have included a Rockin' Research Checklist for use by students and teachers in creating and grading the persuasive letter to MGS. I have also linked a Student Reflection Sheet for students to complete after they have sent their letters. It would be very appropriate to grade students' progress during the WebQuest with a checklist or rubric for technology or research skills.


 Additional Websites

 

http://www.rockdetective.org/Website_Resources.html
Here is a lesson plan and idea file on all topics related to earth science.

http://wrgis.wr.usgs.gov/docs/usgsnps/project/home.html
This is the US Geological Society's page on Geology in the Parks. It offers authentic views of geologic concepts.

 

  Helpful Books

 

Anderson, Alan, et. al. Geology Crafts for Kids: 50 Nifty Projects to Explore the Marvels of Planet Earth. New York: Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., 1996.

Blobaum, Cindy. Geology Rocks! 50 Hands-On Activities to Explore the Earth. Charlotte, VT: Williamson Publishing, 1999.

Science and Technology for Children. Rocks and Minerals. Burlington, NC: Carolina Biological Supply Company, 1997.

 

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©Gretchen S. Ipock, Cecilton Elementary School, Cecil County Public Schools
Maryland Technology Academy Upper Shore Satellite Site, July 2002