Contextualization

We live in a vast and complex world, full of natural beauties that often go unnoticed. One of these beauties is the study of rocks. It may not seem initially, but rocks have a lot to tell us. They are not only solid pieces of no importance, but are formed by distinct geological processes and can reveal the history of our planet. There are three main types of rocks: igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary. Each type has its own characteristics and tells a part of the planet's geological history.

Understanding rocks is a fundamental part of understanding our world and its transformations over time. After all, they are the basis of everything we see around us: mountains, plains, valleys, coastlines. Every stone, every rock, every grain of sand has a lot to tell us. Therefore, by bringing geological studies to reality, we can understand how and why landscapes are formed and transformed.

Rocks are found everywhere, even in our homes, in the form of granite or marble, for example. But their applications go far beyond that. We use rocks in constructions, in the manufacture of utensils, in the study of soils and in the exploration of minerals. In addition, medicine, technology and even cuisine benefit from the study of rocks.

This project seeks to bring this important theme of science to a practical and engaging approach. The intention is that you, students, can learn in a participatory, collaborative and, above all, fun way.

To deepen the study on the types of rocks, you can consult the following references:

• General Geology for Engineering (UFF)
• Rocks: Definition, Types and Rock Cycle (Mundo Educação)
• TV Escola Pick Up Stuff program with an episode dedicated to rocks.
• Video: Types of Rocks (Canal Manual do Mundo on Youtube)

Practical Activity: "Rocks, the Base of the Earth"

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to investigate the three main types of rocks (igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary), understand the rock cycle and its formation, as well as its relevance to the development of human civilization and to the understanding of the geological history of the Earth.

Detailed Project Description

This project will be carried out by groups of 3 to 5 students and is expected to last two weeks. The work will be done in teams and each member of the group will have an important role in the execution of the project, which will encompass the disciplines of Science and Arts, in addition to developing research skills, teamwork and interdisciplinarity.

The work will be divided into two parts:

1. Study and Classification: In this step, students will research the main types of rocks, their characteristics, forms of formation and examples. They should look for samples of each type and classify them correctly, identifying the characteristics that allowed this classification.

2. Rock Cycle Model: Here, the group will produce a model that represents the rock cycle, demonstrating how each type of rock is formed and transformed into the other type.

Materials Needed

• Samples of different types of rocks
• Cardboard, glue, paints, paintbrushes
• Research material: books, internet access, documentaries, etc.

Detailed Step by Step

1. Research: Divide yourselves into roles to research the types of rocks. Each student will be responsible for a type of rock and should describe its characteristics, origins and applications. In addition, each student should find a sample of the rock researched to present to the group.

2. Group Discussion: Get together and share your discoveries about the rocks. Each one should present their rock to the group, showing the sample and explaining its characteristics and origin.

3. Model Planning: In this step, the group should plan what the rock cycle model will look like. They should also divide the tasks for creating the model, according to the talents and abilities of each one.

4. Model Creation: Now it's time to get your hands dirty! Use the materials available to create a model that represents the rock cycle. Remember: the model should be clear about the process of formation and transformation of rocks.

5. Presentation: Prepare a presentation for the class explaining the concepts learned, the classification of rocks and presenting and explaining the model created.

Project Deliverables

The project will have two main deliverables:

1. Written Report: The report should follow the proposed format: Introduction, Development, Conclusions and Bibliography. Each student in the group should contribute to the production of the report.

   • Introduction: Contextualize the theme, its relevance and application in the real world. Also make a summary of the objective of this project.

   • Development: Here you will talk in detail about the theory of rock types, explanations about the practical activity carried out, the methodology used and present the results obtained. Remember to detail the process of building the model and the classification of the rocks.

   • Conclusions: Conclude the work by revisiting your main points, mention the lessons learned and the conclusions drawn about the project.

   • Bibliography: List all the sources that helped in the work, such as books, web pages, videos.

2. Model and Presentation: The rock cycle model will be used in the presentation for the class. Each student in the group should speak during the presentation, explaining a part of the work done.

This is a large-scale project, so it is important to manage time well and divide the tasks well among the members of the group. Remember, the goal is to learn and have fun!