Rocks and Minerals by UTH Rocks and Minerals by UTH    

Lesson 27: Sedimentary Rocks

Directions

Study the lesson for one week.

Over the week:

• Read the lesson.
• Review the synopsis.
• Recite aloud the vocabulary words and their definitions.
• Study the rock and mineral of the week.
• Complete the enrichment activities.
• Study the review questions.

Synopsis

Along with igneous and metamorphic rocks, sedimentary rocks are one of the three major groups of rock that make up the crust of the Earth. Sedimentary rocks are formed by the deposition of the weathered remains of other rocks, the results of biological activity, or precipitation from solution.

Vocabulary

Sedimentary Rock: A rock formed by the deposition of either the weathered remains of other rocks, the results of biological activity, or precipitation from solution.
Deposition: The act of depositing or putting down material to create new landforms, especially by a natural process.
Precipitation: The process of dissolved minerals solidifying out of water.

Rock or Mineral of the Week

Overview

• Shale is made from mud and other minerals, especially calcite and quartz.
• Shale breaks into thin layers.
• Shale is used to make clay, cement, pottery, bricks, and tile.
• Natural gas is extracted from shale.

Physical Characteristics

• Color: Often gray, but can be also be tan or reddish
• Hardness: 3-4
• Luster: Dull
• Cleavage: Very thin, plates or layers
• Streak: White

Locations:

• Deep Ocean Water
• Lagoons
• Lakes
• Swamps

Interesting Facts

• Shale can be split into thin layers to uncover fossils.

• Shale formations are areas where layers upon layers of shale accumulate over millions of years.

Enrichment

Activity 1: Narrate the Lesson

• After reading or listening to the lesson, narrate the lesson aloud using your own words.

Activity 2: Take a Nature Walk

• Embark on a nature walk.
• Collect one rock or mineral specimen.
• Use the gathered specimen to create the field book entry.

Activity 3: Complete a Field Book Entry   

After your nature walk, complete page 6 in 'Fifth Grade Science Rocks and Minerals Notebook Pages.'

Review

Question 1

Describe something about shale.

1 / 4

Answer 1

Shale is a common, oftentimes gray sedimentary rock that splits into layers and is found in oceans, lagoons, and lakes.

1 / 4

Question 2

What are the three major groups of rock that make up the crust of the Earth?

2 / 4

Answer 2

The three major groups of rock that make up the crust of the Earth are igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary.

2 / 4

Question 3

Is shale an igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary rock?

3 / 4

Answer 3

Shale is a sedimentary rock.

3 / 4

Question 4

Which rock group includes those that are formed by deposition, precipitation, and biological activity?

4 / 4

Answer 4

The sedimentary rock group includes those that are formed by deposition, precipitation, and biological activity.

4 / 4

❮ ❯

1. Describe something about shale. Shale is a common, oftentimes gray sedimentary rock that splits into layers and is found in oceans, lagoons, and lakes.
2. What are the three major groups of rock that make up the crust of the Earth? The three major groups of rock that make up the crust of the Earth are igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary.
3. Is shale an igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary rock? Shale is a sedimentary rock.
4. Which rock group includes those that are formed by deposition, precipitation, and biological activity? The sedimentary rock group includes those that are formed by deposition, precipitation, and biological activity.

References

'Shale.' Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shale. n.p.

'Sedimentary Rock.' Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedimentary_rock. n.p.

Cited Physical Properties. Geology.com. geology.com/rocks. n.p.