Rock hardness test

We tested the level of hardness of the rocks in our rock collections. First, we tried to rub some of the rock off with our finger.  Then we scratched it with our fingernail to see if it would show a scratch. After that, we scratched our rocks with a penny and lastly a nail. 

We kept track of our data using a chart so we would remember our results. 

Hopefully your geologist shared their results with you at home!

Library time!

We visit the library each Friday with the help of our awesome librarian, Mrs.  Urban. 

First, we select books that make us want to read. 

Jack and Cam found some!

Next, we wait in line to check them out through the computer. 

Last, we enjoy reading them in "The Well".

We had a Geologist come to visit us!

This week we were lucky enough to be visited by Mr. Villeneuve, Nathaniel's uncle.  

He is a GEOLOGIST!

He showed us how rock is formed.

 He brought many examples of rock.

He even showed us rock that he drilled from deep in the earth!

He could tell different things about the rock after he sprayed water on it.

He was kind enough to leave his rock samples with us to explore.

Matthew took a close look at the igneous rocks.

Alex and Jack put the long rock back together like a puzzle.

Mrs. L. brought in a rock that had fossils in it!

Through careful research, we discovered it was definitely sedimentary.

Nathaniel and Bryanna took a close look together.

Madison and Cameron looked closely with the help of their magnifying glass.

What story did their rocks tell?

Thank you for your visit Mr. Villeneuve!

Categorizing and Observing Rocks

We carefully observed rocks from the three groups we have learned about; igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

We wrote down the characteristics we observed.

We found similarities to rocks on our posters.

Many of our characteristics were the same in each group!

The life of a geologist and classifying rocks can be very tricky!

Our Geology Study

We are starting our year with a Geology Study.

 Students collected rocks from their homes and neighborhoods.

 We shared them with one another.

 We observed them closely.

 We sorted our rocks by texture and size.

 We discussed their properties and took a good guess about their type.

Are they igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic?

Nathaniel brought in some rocks that his uncle drilled from 100 feet deep in the earth!

First Week Smiles :o)

First week smiles...

"The Lounge"

We have learned how to use "The Lounge" in our classroom.  

It is such a relaxing place to enjoy a good book!