Rock Classification Gizmo: A Powerful Tool for Geology Students and Teachers
Rock Classification Gizmo Answer Key: A Comprehensive Guide
If you are looking for a fun and interactive way to learn about the different types of rocks and how they are formed, you might want to check out the Rock Classification Gizmo. This is an online simulation that allows you to classify rocks based on their appearance, texture, and composition. You can also learn about the common characteristics of each rock type and how they relate to the rock cycle.
Rock Classification Gizmo Answer Key
In this article, we will provide you with a detailed overview of the Rock Classification Gizmo and how to use it. We will also give you the answer key for the questions and activities that are included in the Gizmo. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of rock classification and how it can help you study geology.
What is the Rock Classification Gizmo?
The Rock Classification Gizmo is an online simulation that is designed by ExploreLearning, a company that creates interactive learning tools for science and math. The Gizmo allows you to explore three types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. You can select different samples of rocks and examine their characteristics, such as color, shape, size, and texture. You can also use a magnifying glass to zoom in on the grains that make up the rocks.
The Gizmo also provides you with information about each rock type, such as how they are formed, where they are found, and what minerals they contain. You can learn about the common terms and concepts that are used in rock classification, such as foliation, fossils, strata, and interlocking texture. You can also see how each rock type is related to the rock cycle, which is the process of transformation that rocks undergo over time due to heat, pressure, weathering, erosion, and melting.
How to Use the Rock Classification Gizmo?
To use the Rock Classification Gizmo, you need to have an internet connection and a web browser that supports Flash. You can access the Gizmo from the ExploreLearning website or from this link: https://gizmos.explorelearning.com/index.cfm?method=cResource.dspView&resourceID=437. You can also download a PDF version of the student exploration sheet that guides you through the activities and questions in the Gizmo.
When you open the Gizmo, you will see a simulation pane on the left and a characteristics pane on the right. The simulation pane shows you 12 different samples of rocks that you can select and examine. The characteristics pane shows you information about each rock type and their common features. You can also turn on or off some options in the characteristics pane, such as show common characteristics, show name, show composition, show formation process, show location on Earth's surface, show location in rock cycle diagram.
To start using the Gizmo, you can follow these steps:
Select one of the rock samples in the simulation pane by clicking on it.
Observe the appearance of the rock sample and try to identify its type based on its characteristics.
Use the magnifying glass tool to zoom in on the grains that make up the rock sample.
Use the name tool to check if your identification is correct.
Use the composition tool to see what minerals are present in the rock sample.
Use the formation process tool to see how the rock sample was formed.
Use the location on Earth's surface tool to see where the rock sample can be found.
Use the location in rock cycle diagram tool to see how the rock sample is related to other types of rocks.
Repeat steps 1-8 for other rock samples until you have explored all 12 of them.
What is the Rock Classification Gizmo Answer Key?
The Rock Classification Gizmo Answer Key is a document that provides you with the correct answers for the questions and activities that are included in the Gizmo. The answer key also explains why each answer is correct and gives you some additional information about each topic. The answer key is divided into four sections: prior knowledge questions, gizmo warm-up, activity A (classifying rocks), and activity B (rock cycle).
You can find a copy of the Rock Classification Gizmo Answer Key here: http://www.hinsleyeastcobbmiddle.weebly.com/uploads/5/2/0/3/52032665/rockclassificationse_key.pdf. You can also find another version of the answer key here: https://www.stuvia.com/en-us/doc/1378716/gizmo-rock-classification-answer-keycomplete-2020.
Why is the Rock Classification Gizmo Useful?
The Rock Classification Gizmo is a useful tool for anyone who wants to learn more about the different types of rocks and how they are formed. By using the Gizmo, you can:
Develop your observation and classification skills by comparing and contrasting different rock samples.
Enhance your understanding of the concepts and vocabulary related to rock classification, such as texture, composition, formation process, and location.