Download Weathering Engage activity

Weathering Engaging Activity
Teacher Information
Information and directions for the power point
Engaging segment:
1.
The students make observations about the pictures.
2.
They may write descriptions of the photos.
3.
At this point, students do not attempt to explain the difference
between mechanical and chemical weathering. The photos should
activate interest and critical thinking.
4.
NOTE: When the class revisits these slides at the end of the
lessons about weathering, the teacher may want to share the
following about each of the slides:
1. Photo taken at Cumberland Island of cars left by the Carnegie family.
This is an obvious example of chemical weathering as the iron in the cars
turns to rust.
2. This photo was taken in the mountains of north Georgia. It is another
example of chemical weathering as the lichen breaks down the rock. Notice
the leaves for scale.
3. This photo was taken in Montana. Each of the rocks is about the size of a
student desk. It is an example of mechanical weathering specifically called
exfoliation. The rocks are “peeling” as they weather.
4. This tree’s roots are causing both mechanical and chemical weathering.
The photo was taken at Zion National Park. Mechanical weathering is caused
by root pry and chemical weathering (not easily evident) by chemical changes
in the rock due to the roots.
5. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada. This rock shows differences in rates
of weathering due to some areas of the boulder being more resistant than
other parts. This is mechanical weathering due to wind and water.
6. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. This canyon is an extreme result of
ice wedging which is a type of mechanical weathering. Have students look
closely at the layers of sedimentary rock across the structures. These
standing pillars have a really cool name. Each is a hoodoo (pronounced whodo).