Curriculum Links: Rock Walk

Understanding Earth and Space Systems: Rocks and Minerals

In Rock Walk, students have an opportunity to meet the following curriculum expectations: (specific examples from the program are shown in bold)

SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS
 

Relating Science and Technology to Society and the Environment

• 1.1 assess the social and environmental costs and benefits of using objects in the built environment that are made from rocks and minerals 
  (if follow-up activities are completed)

• 2.1 follow established safety procedures for outdoor activities (afternoon field work)
• 2.3 use a variety of criteria (e.g., colour, texture, lustre) to classify common rocks... according to their characteristics (Activity 2)
• 2.4 use scientific inquiry/research skills to investigate how rocks... are used... in everyday life 
  (afternoon field work)
• 2.5 use appropriate science and technology vocabulary,including hardness, colour, lustre, and texture, in oral and written communication 
  (throughout the day and if follow-up activities are completed)
• 2.6 use a variety of forms (e.g., oral, written, graphic, multimedia) to communicate with different audiences and for a variety of purposes 
  (if follow-up activities are completed)

• 3.1 describe the difference between rocks... (Activity 2)
• 3.3 describe how igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks are formed (introduced following Activity 2)
• 3.4 describe the characteristics of the three classes of rocks... and explain how their characteristics are related to their origin 
  (Activity 2 and afternoon field work)

Language

Writing (if follow-up activities are completed)

• use verb tenses correctly and appropriately 
• write simple and compound sentences
• use a dictionary and thesaurus to confirm spelling
• introduce vocabulary from other subject areas into their writing
• label and use pictures and diagrams appropriately 

Oral & Visual Communication

• identify camera angles and distance from the subject... (afternoon field work)
• present information to their peers in a focused and organized form (if follow-up activities are completed)
• create a variety of media works (if follow-up activities are completed)

Report Comments

Feel free to use these comments when completing reports.

• During the Rock Walk program at TUSC, *name* worked as part of a team and was able to identify types of rocks by using various attributes such as colour and texture.  *He/She* built a model rock wall in order to investigate structural stability. *name* was also able to identify and discuss how rocks have been sourced and used in construction on the University of Toronto campus.