Field Trips

Geology

Grade Level:
Lower Elementary: Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade
Subject:
Science
State Standards:
Next Generation Science Standards:
ESS2.A
ESS2.B
PS1.A
PS1.B

This program explores the concepts of observing and categorizing the properties of rocks found in Olympic National Park. Through guided and unguided observations, students increase their understanding of the geology of the Pacific Northwest, understand how scientists use a variety of tools and equipment to assist with the scientific process, and understand that the scientific method begins with observations and questioning. This program runs approximately 3.5 hours and occurs both inside and outside.

The geology program complements the "Pebbles, Sand, and Silt" Foss Science module for second grade. It takes place at Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center and involves two separate activity stations and a ranger-led nature/geology walk. In the first activity, The Properties of Rocks, students investigate individual rocks and observe the materials that make up different types of rocks. In the second activity, A Miasma of Rock Sizes, students learn how scientists categorize rocks by different sizes in order to better understand how rocks interact with their surrounding environments. Following the morning activities, where classes of students rotate between each group and lunch, rangers will lead the students on the Cirque Rim trail in order to closely examine geology, subalpine ecology and introduce landforms. This field trip is typically offered in autumn.

Contact

Dean Butterworth
email us
360-565-3146

 

Activities: This program takes place at Hurricane Ridge. It is composed of two indoor activities and a hike along the Cirque Rim Trail.

Theme: Geologists are like detectives who look at rocks in order to understand and appreciate the world around them.

Goals: At the end of the program students will:
1. Be able to identify different properties of earth materials
2. Observe properties of objects (rocks) and how those qualities can be used to identify the object
3. Learn how to form a hypothesis to guide further studies
4. Know that investigations (questioning and predicting) are used to acquire new knowledge 5. Understand that different base materials result in different properties
6. Understand how classifying objects facilitates further study and provides for learning opportunities

Objectives: At the end of the program students will:
1. Record observations in an organized chart
2. Classify rocks based on size
3. Record descriptive words/observations about rocks
4. Identify differences between rocks and how those differences are founded in the materials from which they are formed
5. Form a hypothesis about how rocks become smaller
6. Use tools to facilitate the scientific process
7. Rely on prior knowledge to facilitate the learning process
8. Write a question about what they would like to learn about rocks in the future

Next Generation Science Standards Addressed: This lesson is designed to be used in conjunction with FOSS’s Next Generation Pebbles, Sand and Silt Module for 2nd grade. Specifically, this program addresses the following elements of first and second grade standards:

Performance Expectations

  • 2-ESS1-1. Use information from several sources to provide evidence that Earth events can occur quickly or slowly
  • 2-ESS2-2. Develop a model to represent the shapes and kinds of land and bodies of water in an area.
  • 2-PS1-1. Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties.
  • 2-PS1-4. Construct an argument with evidence that some changes caused by heating or cooling can be reversed and some cannot.

Geology Field Trip Olympic National Park Science and Engineering Practices

  • Planning and Carrying Out Investigations: Plan and conduct an investigation collaboratively to produce data to serve as the basis for evidence to answer a question. (2-PS1-1)
  • Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions: Make observations (firsthand or from media) to construct an evidence-based account for natural phenomena. (2-PS1-3)
  • Engaging in Argument from Evidence: Construct an argument with evidence to support a claim. (2-PS1-4)
  • Science Models, Laws, Mechanisms, and Theories Explain Natural Phenomena: Science searches for cause and effect relationships to explain natural events. (2-PS1-4)

Disciplinary Core Ideas

  • ESS2.A. Earth Materials and Systems: Wind and water can change the shape of the land. (2-ESS2-1)
  • ESS2.B. Plate Tectonics and Large-Scale System Interactions: Maps show where things are located. One can map the shapes and kinds of land and water in any area. (2-ESS2-2)
  • PS1.A. Structure and Properties of Matter: A great variety of objects can be built up from a small set of pieces. (2-PS1-3)
  • PS1.B. Chemical Reactions: Heating or cooling a substance may cause changes that can be observed. Sometimes these changes are reversible, and sometimes they are not. (2-PS1-4)

Crosscutting Concepts

  • Patterns: Patterns in the natural world can be observed, used to describe phenomena, and used as evidence.
  • Structure and Function: The shape and stability of structures of natural and designed objects are related to their function(s).
  • Stability and Change: Things may change slowly or rapidly.
  • Science Addresses Questions About the Natural and Material World: Scientists study the natural and material world.
  • Energy and Matter: Objects may break into smaller pieces and be put together into larger pieces, or change shapes.
 

Sample Schedule (program can be tailored to address your needs)
9:00 – 9:15 Arrive at Hurricane Ridge, welcome
9:15 – 10:00 First stations
10:00 – 10:10 Rotate
10:15 – 11:00 Second stations
11:00 – 11:30 Lunch
11:30 – 12:30 Ranger-led walk
12:30 – 12:45 Conclusion/farewell

Resources: http://www.fossweb.com/studentmoduledetail?dDocName=Y1392076.

Tags: physical science geology rocks subalpine ecology scientific process

Last updated: December 9, 2019