Community College Science Outreach Lesson Plan
This document is the outline for the community college science outreach lesson plan for elementary school students in the subject of geology. The main points of this lesson plan will be to outline: the Earth is composed of moving plates that interact with each other, the types of rocks that make up the surface of the Earth, the age of the Earth and the concept of deep-time, a brief and talk on possible careers in geology. After words, students will answer some questions from the sample problem sheet, and will be able to look at the rock collection presented and the demonstrations closer. For preparation, make sure that the demonstrations are prepared, there is a good-sized collection of rocks for them to look at, and that there are enough sheets for everyone.
The introduction of this lesson involves talking about how Earth is dynamic and is moving inside. Inform them that the Earth is divided into plates that are moving and that they are in fact on a moving plate. Ask them how they think these plates interact with each other. After a few answers, describe to them plate boundaries including convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries. Ask them which boundary they think the San Andreas describes (the answer is transform). Show the Earthquake Block Demonstration to illustrate how some boundaries result in earthquakes. As plates move next to each other, elastic energy is built up until it is finally released in an earthquake (represented by the movement of the block).
The next portion of the lesson will be on the types of rocks that are found on. Ask them to describe rocks that they have seen. Begin with describing igneous rocks (rocks that are formed from the cooling of molten rock either beneath or on top of the surface). Show them examples of igneous rocks including: basalt, granite, and obsidian (let them know where they are formed affects them). Next, describe sedimentary rocks (recycled rocks that are result of other source rocks being weathered down and put back together with other pieces; this is also where fossils can be found). Show them examples such as sandstone and limestone. Finally describe metamorphic rocks (rocks that have been transformed due to high heat and pressure, but have not melted). Examples of metamorphic rocks to show them include marble, schist, and gneiss. If you feel there is time, lift up a couple of rocks and ask them what type it is.
Next, discuss with the students the history of the Earth. Ask them when the dinosaurs went extinct (tell them if the answer does not come up), then proceed to ask them how old they think the Earth is (the answer is ~4.6 billion years old). Bring out the Earth's Clock Demonstration. This is to describe the history of the Earth in relation to an hour on a clock. Just after the start of the hour will mark the beginning of the Earth such as heavy bombardment. Proceed to the points where life started, the Cambrian Explosion, when the dinosaurs started, and, finally, when humans started (exemplify how recent in Earth's history humans are).
Finally, inform them about possible careers in geology. Possible careers include: mining, construction, oil and gas, groundwater agency, earthquakes, the government (the United States Geological Survey) museums, and studying it at universities. Tell them how geology can get you working outside or in a laboratory. Explain how some of what was talked about relates to these jobs. Exemplify that there is still plenty to learn about geology.
Finish off the lesson with a quick five to ten minute problem sheet on what was discussed (if they do not finish, it is alright as they can take them home). Allow them to look at the collection of rocks brought in and the demonstrations shown during the lesson. Tell them to exercise some caution while handling. Repeat this for subsequent lessons.