Field Trips

How Rock Layers Work: Middle School Earth Science

Grade Level:
Middle School: Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade
Subject:
Science
State Standards:
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) ESS1 Earth’s Place in the Universe | ESS2 Earth’s Systems | ETS1 Engineering Design

Topics in this Program

  • Stratigraphy (rock layers & columns)
  • Maps (topographic & geologic)
  • Geologic Time
  • Rock Cycle

For a multiple-classroom field trip:

Students will rotate in small groups between four 40-minute stations, centered at the Devils Kitchen Picnic Area (Grand Junction side). There will be a 30-minute break for lunch/recess at 11:45am. Stations for this program include:

  1. Hiking to Window Rock & back (about 0.75 miles) or to Serpents Trail & back (about 0.4 miles), depending on location, to make observations and ask scientific questions about different rock layers
  2. Interpreting a geologic map of the monument to understand landscape-level qualities of different rock layers
  3. Sorting a geologic column of the monument's rock layers via a team challenge
  4. Navigating the rock cyle through a game where students record and later discuss and reflect on their journeys through the rock cycle
  5. Exploring the geologic timeline through a scale model of events (Alternate activity station option, depending on group needs)

For a single-classroom field trip:

Students will explore why rocks form layers and investigate ways they can better understand the most fundamental principles of geology. Students will explore evidence in a two-part lesson, starting at Saddlehorn Visitor Center.

  • Hike Canyon Rim Trail (before lunch)
    • On a short (0.75-mile) hike, students will investigate how and why rock layers are organized through a variety of hands-on and dialogic activities. 
  • Outdoor Science Lab (after lunch)
    • Students will design and construct a model geologic column that reflects the distant past.

Essential Question

What are the most effective ways to experience and better understand how rock layers are organized at Colorado National Monument?

Duration

4 hours (10am to 2pm)

Tags: rock layers stratigraphy steam education open outdoors for kids every kid outdoors school programs rock cycle geologic map topographic map geologic time field trip activity

Last updated: December 4, 2024