How Do Water and Wind Change Rock?
ISBN-13: 978-1-62724-299-8
Content Standards Addressed
S3E1. Students will investigate the physical attributes of rocks and soils.
a. Explain the difference between a rock and a mineral.
b. Recognize the physical attributes of rocks and minerals using observation (shape, color, texture), measurement, and simple tests (hardness).
c. Use observation to compare the similarities and differences of texture, particle size, and color in top soils (such as clay, loam or potting soil, and sand).
d. Determine how water and wind can change rocks and soil over time using observation and research.
Fact Checking
- Over millions of years, layers of sediment at the bottom of a body of water press together (join) to become new sedimentary rock.
- When the wind blows, flying sand or dirt rubs against large rocks causing tiny pieces to break off; this sediment settles in layers on the ground.
- Sometimes big chunks of sediment are washed into rivers where they crash into other big pieces then they break into smaller pieces.
Content Areas Addressed
Science - Identify the difference between rocks and minerals and compare and contrast the physical attributes of rocks.
Social Studies - “The Wave” is a sandstone rock located in Arizona. On what continent is “The Wave” located? In what country is “The Wave” located?
ELA (writing)- Write a journal entry using adjectives to describe the physical attributes of “The Wave” based on pictures from the book.
Reflection for Future Use in the Classroom
I would use this book during our rock unit to cover standard S3E1. Prior to reading the book, the students would brainstorm and discuss how they think water and wind change rock. I would then read the book to the whole group while having discussions throughout the book. I would bring in examples of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks to compare and contrast their physical attributes.
Recommendation
I would recommend this book because it discusses the three main groups of rocks as well as gives a detailed description of how water and wind changes rock. This directly reflects the third grade Earth Science standard. This book can be extended to teach Social Studies by locating Arizona, which is where “The Wave” is located. We could then figure out how many miles is between Newnan, Georgia and Coyote Buttes, Arizona (1,812-1,851 miles). Math could then be incorporated by determining the difference in mileage between the two routes given, place value could be discussed, and greater than, less than or equal to could also be discussed.