A West
Middle School eighth-grade science objective is to be able to identify types of
rocks. In order to give students practical hands-on learning experiences, a
special rock lab was designed and presented to Mrs. Pasek-Colley's and Mrs. Gibson's
eighth-grade science students.
In
the lab, students were put into cooperative groups of four or five. Each group
circulated around six lab stations. At each station students were given a
resource guidebook, a magnifying glass and a rock sample. Using the guidebook
and magnifying glass, the students examined the rock sample.
The
students discussed what type of rock they believed their sample was:
sedimentary, igneous or metamorphic. After making a decision, a detailed
report was filled out listing where the rock might be found, its mineral
composition and its texture, shape and colors.
This
activity was very successful. Students were engaged, practiced using
reference guides and collaborated with their peers in a constructive manner.
Sharing information, comparing and questioning were just as important in this
lesson as identifying the rock type.
It
is the goal of West Middle School that all students should improve their higher
order thinking skills. This lesson certainly allowed the students to practice
doing just that.
Submitted
by Sara Bochenek
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