Introduction

Imagine that you are all geologists exploring Antrim's finest rocks! What are the three types of rocks you will discover? How were they formed? What properties do they have? Well, what are you waiting for? Let your exploration begin, and have it rock your world!

The Quest

In this Web Quest you will be working in groups to learn about the different types of rocks and their characteristics.

The Process and Resources

You will be divided into 4 groups to explore the three categories of rocks. Once each group has discovered information on your topics, you will be sharing your findings with the rest of the class.

Phase 1 - Background: Something for Everyone

Use the website below to answer the question what takes place in the rock cycle?

• Types of Rocks - This is a great place to learn about the different types of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks!
• Cycles - This is a great webiste for children to learn about rocks!

Phase 2 - Looking Deeper from Different Perspectives

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Each group will research from one of the topics below.

2. Read through the websites that are listed underneath your group title.

3. Answer the questions that relate to your group.

4. Draw a picture that relates to your groups topic.

5. Be prepared to talk about your findings with your classmates.

Formation of Rocks

Use the webistes below to answer these questions specifically related to Rock Formation:

1. How are igneous rocks formed?

2. How are metamorphic rocks formed?

3. How are sedimentary rocks formed?

4. Draw a picture of how a rock is formed (the cycle that takes place).

• Different Ways Rocks Are Formed - Curious on how rocks are formed? This site will allow you to explore the different ways rocks are formed.
• The Rock Cycle - This site has great descriptions and pictures of how igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks are formed.

Sedimentary Rocks

Use the website below, as well as 'Types of Rocks' under Phase 1, to answer these questions specifically related to sedimentary rocks:

1. What are the different types of sedimentary rocks? (choose 3-4 different types).

2. What types of properties do these rocks have by looking at the pictures?

3. Draw a picture of your favorite sedimentary rock.

• Sedimentary Rocks - This site has many different kinds of sedimentary rocks with great pictures!

Metamorphic Rocks

Use the website below, as well as 'Types of Rocks' under Phase 1, to answer these questions specifically related to metamorphic rocks:

1. What are the different types of metamorphic rocks? (choose 3-4 different types).

2. What types of properties do these rocks have by looking at the pictures?

3. Draw a picture of your favorite metamorphic rock.

• Metamorphic Rocks - This site has many different types of metamorphic rocks with great pictures!

Igneous Rocks

Use the website below, as well as 'Types of Rocks' under Phase 1, to answer these questions specifically related to igneous rocks:

1. What are the different types of igneous rocks? (choose 3-4 different types).

2. What types of properties do these rocks have by looking at the pictures?

3. Draw a picture of your favorite igneous rock.

• Igneous Rocks - This site has many different types of igneous rocks with great pictures!

Phase 3 - Debating, Discussing, and Reaching Consensus

You have all learned a variety of information about rocks today! Now your group will join the rest of the geologists in the classroom to discuss your findings from your specific topics. Use information, pictures, facts, and the poster you created to explain your findings to the rest of the class.

Phase 4 - Real World Feedback

You have all learned a great deal about rocks by splitting up into 4 different groups. Now it is time for you to put your learning into a letter that you will hand in to me. I would like all of you to write a letter that contains facts you have learned, your favorite type of rock, and why this is your favorite. Here is the process you will follow:

1. Begin by paraphrasing what it is you know about rocks.

2. Write about specific facts you have learned through viewing these Websites.

3. Write what your favorite type of rock is.

4. Why is this your favorite type of rock?

5. Finish your letter by explaining what else you would like to learn about rocks in the future.

Your Contact is: the designated contact

Conclusion

Congratulations geologists on a job well done! You should be proud of yourselves for discovering many different facts dealing with rocks! I hope you have had an exciting journey and will want to continue the exploration of rocks in the future! Remember, learning never stops.