I'm teaching an advanced Earth Science course for 7th graders this year. However, I'm stuck on how to make rocks and minerals a more "advanced" version. Currently, my regular classes review the rock cycle through a PowerPoint and notes, identify rocks through a dichotomous key, and simulate making rocks using crayons. I'd like to get more in depth with the how sedimentary rocks form and possibly even utilizing a stream table to discuss depositation. Any suggestions on how to adjust this topic?
After a fairly quick search, I found this website: https://ees.as.uky.edu/sites/default/files/elearning/module05swf.swf It's a little animation that explains the different types of rock formation. One thing to consider for the class is splitting students into groups to study a tab of the animation, and then present back to the rest of the class. I'm not sure how in-depth you have already gone, but the link seems relatively challenging. In terms of stream tables, University of Arizona has a handy lesson plan that's designed for 7th graders. http://www.geo.arizona.edu/sites/www.geo.arizona.edu/files/Stream%20Table1.pdf Hopefully these links are of some help!
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