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Rock Density Lab
http://minerva.union.edu/hollochk/pedagogy/files/kh2.pdf
From DLESE Community Collection (DCC)
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In this activity, students measure the specific gravity of rocks and equate it to density. There are instructions for modifying the balance to be able to weigh the rocks in water. There are also several suggestions about how to use the data and the kinds of graphs that can be made. The site has a list of materials, detailed instructions, and examples of charts and graphs.
Intended for grade levels:
  • Middle (6-8)
  • High (9-12)
Type of resource:
  • For the classroom:
    • Lab activity
Subject:
  • Geological Sciences:
    • Mineralogy or petrology
Technical requirements:
No specific technical requirements, just a browser required
Cost / Copyright:
No cost
This activity is posted on a web site that is for public dissemination of tried and true labs used for teaching Earth Science.
DLESE Catalog ID: DLESE-000-000-006-867
Educational standards:
  • National Science Education Standards (NSES):
    • 5-8:
      • Unifying concepts and processes:
        • Change, constancy, and measurement
      • A - Science as inquiry:
        • Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
      • B - Physical science:
        • Properties and changes of properties in matter
    • 9-12:
      • Unifying concepts and processes:
        • Change, constancy, and measurement
      • A - Science as inquiry:
        • Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
Resource contact / Creator / Publisher:
Author: Kurt Hollocher
Geology Department, Union College