Rock Walk

Geologists call the area in which we live more exciting than the Grand Canyon (boring sandstone). We sit on mostly metamorphic rock that was pushed up and down by plate tectonics, constructed and deconstructed by glaciers, and whittled down by erosion (the Taconic Mountains were believed to be upwards of 15,000 - 20,000 feet tall at one time, towering above Lake Albany). Volcanoes, mastadons, bison... so much lived here before us. Ask your children for more interesting facts.

Here's the latest project we have underway:

Rock Walk

We’ll split up into small groups and then begin our search for the rocks of the Taconics before creating a big ole rock walk guide.

Procedure:

1. Find all the types of primary and secondary rock types in Columbia County using http://mrdata.usgs.gov/sgmc/ny.html, book resources and other internet resources. Create a list on a word document (copy and paste) all the rocks you find. You should find upwards of 15 or more rock types.

2. After you complete step 1, you will be assigned a few rocks on which to become experts. Using geology.com, book resources and other websites, find out as much information as you can about each of these rock types. Begin making powerpoint pages, including pictures of each rock (sometimes they can look a little different, so get more than 1 picture) and other juicy details.

3. There are more rock types here in our county than just those that make up the bedrock/top layer of lithosphere. Find 3 or more ways that rocks travel and gather as much information as you can about these processes.

4. With our rock identification powerpoint slides in hand, we will journey out in search of these rocks. Record the location, amount of rocks spotted and somehow we’ll get a picture.

5. Working together, we will make a guide to the rocks of the Abode. What will this look like? We will decide.