Get Outside!

Geology

Class Description:

In this earth science class, students will gain an overview of earth processes, various kinds of rocks and how they were formed, and the changes that occur due to erosion. A geology timeline will be set up, rocks classified, glacial features observed, and agates hunted. The class will complete with a hike to Marshall Mountain to for a summary of rock types and formations.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the Geology class students will be able to:

  • Describe rocks by examining color, texture, crystal size and weight.
  • Interpret the rock “cycle” of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary.
  • Name the common rocks of Wolf Ridge.
  • Interpret the local landscape left by the Superior Rift and glaciation.
  • Imagine geologic time as being measured in billions of years.

Minnesota Graduation Standards

Wolf Ridge has aligned the Center's entire curriculum to Minnesota Department of Education Academic Standards. As the primary student audience at Wolf Ridge is from 4th-12th grade, the matrices address these grade levels. Teachers may request that their students focus upon a specific benchmark while attending Wolf Ridge. The Wolf Ridge Curriculum Standards Matrix addresses benchmarks in

  • Science
  • Math
  • History and Social Science
  • Language Arts
  • Arts

Wolf Ridge Curriculum Concepts

  • Every component of nature forms a cycle and is in constant change.
  • Matter is neither created or destroyed, only changed in form.
  • Non-renewable resources are finite and cannot be refilled.
  • See entire Wolf Ridge Curriculum Framework

 

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Time
3 hours total
2 hours outdoors

Audience
4th grade - adult

Activity level
strenuous

Travel
1-1/2 mile

Total uphill travel
320 feet

150 px wide please