Curated OER
Relative Ages of Rocks
In this rock worksheet, students are given a diagram of historical events in rock formation and they label the diagram with the events according to the principle of superposition.
Curated OER
Metamorphic Rocks
In this metamorphic rocks worksheet, students determine the relationship between rock temperature and depth beneath the surface. Then they identify which metamorphic rock forms at the highest temperature. Students also determine how far...
Curated OER
Metamorphic Rocks
In this metamorphic rocks worksheet, students name the components that change in size and shape when metamorphic rocks are formed. Then they describe the metamorphic rock formed from shale and its texture. Students also name the rocks...
Curated OER
Edible Rock Layers
Students use edible food items to conduct an experiment that simulates the movement, folding, and faulting of rock strata like sandstone, siltstone, limestone, and shale. Students then get to eat the experiment when completed.
Curated OER
Making Sedimentary Rocks
Students make models of sedimentary rock layers to explain how rocks form layers and represent ancient environments. Layers of sediment and fossils are added together to simulate the environment and connections to sedimentary rocks are...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Rocky Secrets: Where Does Oil Hide?
You may have heard the expression, "You can't get blood from a stone." But what about oil? Can you get petroleum oil from a stone? In this geology science fair project, you'll find out what kinds of stones make the best storage rocks for...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating the Geologic History of Southeast Minnesota
This activity is an inquiry-based, earth science field investigation of the geology of southeast Minnesota. Students will make observations of rock outcrops and landforms in the region using maps, pictures, and field sampling, then use...
Other
Parks Canada: Yoho National Park: The Burgess Shale
First discovered by Charles Walcott in 1909, the Burgess Shale is a UNESCO World Heritage site containing fossils dating back to the Cambrian period, 505 million years ago. This site provides the history of this area and information on...
National Geographic
National Geographic: Extracting Gas From Shale
This lesson examines how geologists locate deposits of natural gas in deep shale formations, and the process of hydraulic fracturing that is used to extract it. Includes handouts, a vocabulary list with definitions, and an interactive on...
University of Kentucky
University of Kentucky: Rocks and Minerals: Sedimentary Rocks
An excellent resource for learning about sedimentary rocks and how they form. The different types of sedimentary rocks and deposits found in Kentucky are listed, with links to dedicated pages for each. Covers clay, shale, sandstone,...
Other
Geology.com: Rocks: Pictures of Sedimentary Rocks
Presents photographs of examples of clastic, chemical, and organic sedimentary rocks, with short descriptions underneath each rock image. Each rock name is also linked to its own dedicated page with a great deal of additional information...
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Oil Shale
When converted to petroleum, oil shale is a valuable resource produced by many countries around the world, including the U.S. Wikipedia discusses the geology, history, economics, and environmental considerations of oil shale.
Australian Museum
Australian Museum: Sedimentary Processes
Everything you need to know about sedimentary rocks and the processes by which they are created, including weathering, soils, environments, and classification.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Plix: Sedimentary Rock Classification
[Free Registration/Login Required] Get a visual of how sedimentary rock forms through an interactive animation on this site. Also, test your understanding with a short quiz.
Energy4Me
Energy4me: Fracturing With Gelatin
This activity aims to demonstrate how fracturing fluid, under pressure, is able to create a fissure in the rock layer. Students will be able to see the syrup come out at a high velocity to crack the gelatin. The gelatin, however, will...
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Shale
Originating as clay or mud, shale is a sedimentary rock formed by deposits of small particles by slow moving water. Wikipedia includes color images and discusses composition and deposition.
The Franklin Institute
Franklin Institute: Rock Hounds: Shale Rocks
A very brief description of the sedimentary rock, shale. Color image included.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Geology Rock Cycle
[Free Registration/Login Required] Flipchart explains the rock cycle, taking students through the creation and ultimate destruction of a rock.
The Franklin Institute
Franklin Institute: How Sedimentary Rock Is Formed
The Franklin Institute describes the way sedimentary rock is formed, with links to descriptions of several types of sedimentary rocks.