Geology

Class Description:

In this earth science class, students will gain an overview of earth processes, various kinds of rocks and how they wre formed, and the changes that occur dur to eroion. 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.

Total time: 3 hours (two hours outdoors)
Audience: 6-20 students, 4th grade through adult
Activity level: strenuous
Travel: 1 1/2 mile
Total uphill travel: 320 feet

Outcomes

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

Describe how water velocity affects the living organisms of Sawmill Creek.

Understand and measure the temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen of an aquatic system.

Examine and report upon the diversity of aquatic creatures captured.

Recommend actions to preserve healthy stream environments.

Minnesota Graduation Standards

The Geology class will provide students with guided practice, in an authentic setting, to support the following Graduations Standards. We have chosen one to three “major focus” standards per grade level. Due to the holistic nature of environmental education, several other standards, not listed here, are addressed as well.

Task Management Skills: Perseverance, Teamwork, Resource Management, Safety.

H.S. Decision making 11.1: Physical Education and Fitness, (Know 2) (Do 2b) (add. 1)

6-8th Decision making M.3: Physical Education and Fitness, (Know 1) (Do 3,4)

4-5th Decision making I.2 Physical Education and Fitness, (Know 1) (Do 3,4) (add. 1)

Wolf Ridge Curriculum Concepts

• All living and non-living components of an environment interact with one another to form an ecosystem.
• A complex natural system is more stable than a simple one, and more able to absorb disturbances.
• All living things acquire physical and behavioral adaptations to be successful in their environment.

Classroom Connections*

• Journal page download
• Pre-visit activities
• Post-visit activities
• Links to Geology information and activities on the web

*requires Wolf Ridge password