SCIENCE, SCIEnce, science!

We've been investigating rocks as part of our Science learning this term. So far, we've looked at the earth's layers and rocks.

We've also tested a HEAP of rocks using the scratch test, another test for hardness using Fredreich Moh's ( a German minerologist) hardness scale and the acid test.

We were able to categorise rocks into 3 types - sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic. We researched the qualities/characteristics of these different rocks.

Next, we investigated the rock cycle with the help of wax crayons.

First we 'weathered' our rocks. This meant grating crayons.

 
Next, we wrapped our 'weathered rocks' in tin foil and applied pressure using clamps. This was to create sedimentary rocks.

 
After applying the pressure, we unwrapped our tin foil to examine how 'rock fragments' had formed.
We observed that they had compacted together. The 3 colours had formed layers. The fragments were hard but still crumbly. This was our sedimentary rock.

 
The next step was to wrap the sedimentary 'rock' up again. This time, we were investigating metamorphic rocks. We applied a lot more pressure with our clamps this time and left the foil packages clamped overnight.

 
We then unwrapped our metamorphic rocks.

 
We observed that our metamorphic rocks were much harder. The crayon fragments were very tightly compacted. It was stronger than the sedimentary rocks.

Then, we investigated igneous rocks. We melted half of the metamorphic rock put the melted 'rock' in the freezer to cool quickly. We melted the other piece and cooled it slowly, at room temperature. We observed that the igneous 'rock' that had cooled quickly was smooth, very thin and glass like. The 'rock' that had cooled slowly, was much thicker and had little bubbles trapped in it.

Igneous 'rock' that has cooled slowly.

Igneous 'rock' that has cooled quickly.

We learnt lots about the rock cycle by testing, observing, discussing and recording.

'Quake City' and 'Rock On!'

Last Tuesday we traveled by bus to the inner city to experience the science behind earthquakes at 'Quake City' and then walked to the Canterbury Museum to 'Rock On' and learnt about igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. This was part of our geology based inquiry called 'Rocks Talk' which is all about land formations and their causes. It was extremely informative and interesting. We really enjoyed ourselves and the learning!

 

 

 

     

 

Our BEAUTIFUL Irises...(and last post for the year)

If you've looked at our blog, you will know we have been doing observational drawings. We have finally finished our beautiful purple and yellow irises! They are all stunning and unique. We worked so hard to look at the shape, colours, textures, shades and tones. We are going to give our paintings to someone we love for Christmas.