Grade 7: Geologists are Rock Stars

Throughout seventh-grade science, students focus on geology and biology, developing the skills to successfully read, understand, and tell the stories of the natural world. This month, Mr. Steve Collins led these geologists to better understand geologic history by putting rock layers into proper relative time order.
“This planet is very dynamic and we are trying to interpret the stories that are in the rocks themselves because rocks record history, movement and changes,” said Mr. Collins.
 
Evaluating diagrams of rock layers that were developed over millions of years, students solved these “rock puzzles” by sequencing — determining what order the rocks were layered one on top of the other and how the layers were affected by external factors. They used the same techniques as scientists to better understand geologic time and the impact of time on the earth’s surface. Ask a seventh grader to describe an “unconformity” in geologic terms!
 
Did you know? Mr. Collins worked for the US National Parks Service for nine years and provided education and outreach programs on geology, biology, ecology, and human history at Grand Teton, Everglades, Zion, Glacier Bay, Olympic, and Glacier national parks!
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Graland Country Day School

Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.