All about Rocks

For the past week, the class has been learning about how soils help to purify water and connecting this to the larger concept of the water cycle.  First, students brought in a rock and became very familiar with it.  They recorded observations, created detailed diagrams and more in their science lab book.  The rocks were then put into our rock tumbler.  Tomorrow we get to see how the past 9 days of "weathering" has impacted the rocks.  This moved the class into learning about soils, since they are what is created through weathering.  Students learned the basics behind diatomaceous earth and how its unique properties enable it to stick to tongues.  Incorporating this idea, students planned out a water filter using soils, rocks and organic matter and executed their plan.  Two filters in class it was determined that they had more impermeable soils, as theirs took over the weekend to actually allow the water to permeate through.  Yesterday, the concepts were all connected as students diagramed a high-level water cycle.