***Extra Credit Opportunity***
Hello Earth Scientists, Since we have a few days off, and more during the
winter break in December, you can take the opportunity to go out and witness
some of the things we have been talking about in science class. You can
receive extra credit for capturing what you see, putting it together, and
reporting back to the class.
Rock Formations
1. Find rock formations of the different rock types igneous, metamorphic, and
sedimentary.
2. Research and include a description of when and how these rock formations
were created.
AND/OR
Shaping the Land
1. Find evidence of weathering, and erosion.
2. Explain what processes are involved, how they have shaped the land at the
location(s) you visited, and predict how you think the land will be affected
into the future.
3. You can preview chapter 3 to see other examples of erosion, and how water
affects this process.
For the extra credit you must...
- Present your findings. This can be on paper, a poster board, power
point, or oral presentation.
- Take photographs to document your findings, and include the photos in your
presentation.
- When explaining your findings use the vocabulary we have learned.
Where to go.
Pinacles National Monument - One of the finest geologic destinations in our
area (within 2 hours) Excellent igneous and sedimentary, rock formations,
examples of weathering and erosion.
Castle Rock State Park - Great hiking, many opportunities to see erosion and
weathering, very interesting sedimentary rock formations called Tafoni.
Any beach. The Monterey Peninsula/ Carmel area has large granite boulders at
the shore, The Santa Cruz area and North is mostly sedimentary rock at the
shore.
Point Ano Nuevo - this is a great location because of the elephant seal
breeding grounds. Elephant seals begin to arrive in December so now is a
great time to go. It is also a good place to see how fault action has created
terraces in the Monterey Formation (sedimentary rocks, diatomite, containing
many fossils). South of Point Ano Nuevo are high eroded cliffs of limestone.
The road cut north of Waddell Creek is sedimentary rock called mudstone.
Natural Bridges State Park- Santa Cruz Mudstone formations, weathering and
erosion abound.
These are some suggestions, the possibilities for locations are limitless.
Where you go to observe is not important, what you observe and how you explain
it should be the focus.
