Description
Investigate the properties of water and how they affect Earth’s materials and processes. In this series of 3 investigations, students seek to understand how water can change rock. They determine how chemical weathering impacts different rock types by exposing rock samples to vinegar and observing changes in both mass and appearance. Then they model mechanical weathering through frost wedging, the movement of water over rocks, and measuring and observing changes in the rock materials.
Curriculum Connection
While designed for a stand-alone earth science course, this series of activities could be incorporated into a high school chemistry course during a unit on properties of water.
Time Requirement
Teacher prep, 115 minutes. Completing the activities, approximately 2 weeks (280 minutes).
Digital Resources
Includes 1-year access to digital resources that support 3-dimensional instruction for NGSS. Digital resources may include a teacher manual and student guide, pre-lab activities and setup videos, phenomenon videos, simulations, and post-lab analysis and assessments.
Performance Expectations
HS-ESS2-5. Plan and conduct an investigation of the properties of water and its effects on Earth materials and surface processes.
Crosscutting Concepts
Systems and System Models
Disciplinary Core Ideas
ESS2.C: The Roles of Water in Earth’s Surface Processes
Science and Engineering Practices
Developing and Using Models
Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills
Students should be familiar with different rock types and the general properties of water.