"Every rock stratum can tell us something about the physical and biological character of a part of the Earth at some time in the geologic past. Anyone counting strata would quickly realize that the rock record is like a vast library consisting of thousands upon thousands of volumes. Like a library too, the rock record is a complex catalogue that is employed by geologists who work on the record of past event" (The Dynamic Earth by Brian Skinner and Stephen Porter.)

The Task

Web Quest: Reading the Rocks is designed to strengthen Tennessee teachers' understanding of earth science concepts. The information should give you an overview of some of the important beginning concepts for the third through sixth grade science curriculum in Tennessee. In 3rd-8th grades, earth science will be integrated into the curriculum. During the sixth grade, there will be a focus on earth and space science. At the seventh and eighth grade, students will continue to build on their earth science information as the focus changes to life science and physical science. Between the 3rd and 8th grades, students should learn to "read the rocks."

This Web Quest will concentrate on the topics of plate tectonics, the principle of uniformity, the rock cycle, fossils and extinction. The goal is for teachers to gain a greater understanding of the study of earth science as we consider the way we teach these concepts to students. Asking questions that provoke thoughtful consideration of science concepts helps to build deeper understanding. The following question is important when considering "big ideas" in the study of science:

A fundamental principle of Earth Science is 'the present is the key to the past.' Why is this statement such an important tenet of Earth Science? (American Museum of Natural History)

Developing questions for students and encouraging students to create their own questions are essential when investigating scientific phenomena. This Web Quest is a series of seven activities in the form of questions and investigations.

The book Our Restless Earth: The Geologic Regions of Tennessee by Edward T. Luther. The book is a good companion to this Web Quest.

The Process and Resources

• Activity 1: Overarching Concept: Change
• Activity 2: Overarching Concept: Systems
• Activity 3: Earth Forces: Plate Tectonics
• Activities 4 & 5: Earth Forces: Rock Cycle
• Activity 6: Earth Forces: Uniformity
• Activity 7: Earth Forces: Extinctions & Fossils

This Web Quest was created by Judy Butler as an assignment for an online course with the American Museum of Natural History. It was originally developed for teachers in Williamson County Schools. I have revised it for general use by teachers in Tennessee. If you have any feedback for improvement or if it is of help to you please let me know.

Email Judy

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