American Geosciences Institute: Earth Science Week: Investigating Different Rock Types

This site includes learning resources and activities for Earth Science Week 2016. The goal of the week is to "engage young people and others in exploring geoheritage throughout the Earth systems, including the geosphere, hydrosphere,...

Students chose a spot to investigate the soil on publicly owned land.

Using a geologic time scale and map students investigate the rocks in their area.

Students play the role of nitrogen atoms traveling through the nitrogen cycle to gain understanding of the varied pathways through the cycle and how nitrogen is relevant to living things.

After researching how scientists drill into the ocean floor to retrieve core samples, students work in small groups to simulate the process in the classroom and report on their findings.

In this activity, students learn about the ingredients in toothpaste and develop a recipe for a new toothpaste, for which they must also create a slogan and an ad for marketing their product to consumers.

Classes from around the country collect rock samples and send them in to be analyzed by NASA scientists.

Students use geologic maps to learn about rocks and minerals.

Young scholars investigate the process of rock being eaten away by acid, thus releasing carbon dioxide into the air.

For this investigation, students start exploring the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) online version of the geologic map of Texas. The geologic time scale shown will help them figure out how old the rocks are in various parts of Texas.