Fizzy Rocks Identification
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Standard III (Earth and Space Science): Understand the structure of Earth, the solar system, and the universe, the interactions among them, and the processes and interactions of Earth’s systems.
Performance Objectives: Students will learn that sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks contain evidence of the materials, temperatures, and forces that created them.
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Demonstration/Background Information: Many children are fascinated with rocks and stones, so this activity will help them determine which rocks are limestone rocks. Limestone is a sedimentary rock found near the surface of the Earth's crust. It tends to acidify and erode when in contact with water containing dissolved carbon dioxide. Limestone exhibits several unique physical properties. Its primary uses are in road construction, as a component in concrete and as a crushed material used in agricultural lime. When a limestone rock is placed in vinegar, it will start to fizz, while other rocks will not. Students will test this theory by using a variety of rocks.
Activity: In this activity, students will work in groups of three to determine what rocks are limestones and which are not. They will not know beforehand which rock is limestone.
Hypothesis: We think the rocks will _______________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Materials: Each group will have 3 rocks, 3 glass containers, white vinegar, and 1 measuring cup. The rocks will be 3 different ones, with 1 being limestone.
Safety Considerations: When using known and unknown liquids, students should wear goggles; they must also wear gloves as they will come into contact with unknown chemical reactions; they must read instructions prior to starting the experiment; and no horseplay; the teacher must be notified if spills or accidents occur.
Procedure: Student-groups will gather materials and follow the procedure below:
1. Pour ½ cup of white vinegar into each of the three glass containers.
2. Test each rock by carefully dropping it into the vinegar.
3. On the worksheet, record your findings.
Remember, when a limestone rock is placed in vinegar, it will start to fizz, but other rocks will not. This reaction takes place because the calcium carbonate in limestone is dissolved by the vinegar, which releases a gas and makes the vinegar start to bubble.
Student worksheet:
Standard III (Earth and Space Science): Understand the structure of Earth, the solar system, and the universe, the interactions among them, and the processes and interactions of Earth’s systems.
Performance Objectives: Students will learn that sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks contain evidence of the materials, temperatures, and forces that created them.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Demonstration/Background Information: Many children are fascinated with rocks and stones, so this activity will help them determine which rocks are limestone rocks. Limestone is a sedimentary rock found near the surface of the Earth's crust. It tends to acidify and erode when in contact with water containing dissolved carbon dioxide. Limestone exhibits several unique physical properties. Its primary uses are in road construction, as a component in concrete and as a crushed material used in agricultural lime. When a limestone rock is placed in vinegar, it will start to fizz, while other rocks will not. Students will test this theory by using a variety of rocks.
Activity: In this activity, students will work in groups of three to determine what rocks are limestones and which are not. They will not know beforehand which rock is limestone.
Hypothesis: We think the rocks will _______________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Materials: Each group will have 3 rocks, 3 glass containers, white vinegar, and 1 measuring cup. The rocks will be 3 different ones, with 1 being limestone.
Safety Considerations: When using known and unknown liquids, students should wear goggles; they must also wear gloves as they will come into contact with unknown chemical reactions; they must read instructions prior to starting the experiment; and no horseplay; the teacher must be notified if spills or accidents occur.
Procedure: Student-groups will gather materials and follow the procedure below:
1. Pour ½ cup of white vinegar into each of the three glass containers.
2. Test each rock by carefully dropping it into the vinegar.
3. On the worksheet, record your findings.
Remember, when a limestone rock is placed in vinegar, it will start to fizz, but other rocks will not. This reaction takes place because the calcium carbonate in limestone is dissolved by the vinegar, which releases a gas and makes the vinegar start to bubble.
Student worksheet:
Fizzy Rock Identification |
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Rock (Description such as color, hard, soft,
shape, etc.) |
Reaction to Vinegar |
Limestone or Not |
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Effective Questions:
1. Is the description of the limestone rock different from the other three? Explain?
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2. If you don’t know what types the other two rocks are, how could you find out?
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Analyze and Conclude:
1. Was your hypothesis correct? If not, what do you think now?
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2. Write at least two things you learned from this experiment.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.
1. Is the description of the limestone rock different from the other three? Explain?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.
2. If you don’t know what types the other two rocks are, how could you find out?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Analyze and Conclude:
1. Was your hypothesis correct? If not, what do you think now?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.
2. Write at least two things you learned from this experiment.
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(Wilson, 2013)