Rock layers

Rock layers

Pencil and paperOnline interactive
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Working with Students
Further Resources
This task is about rock layers of the Earth.
Rocks layers are formed by sediment being deposited on top of each other and then undergoing heat and pressure from being under the Earth. These layers can be uplifted in earth movements, and then become eroded by the weather. 
diagram of rock layers

Question Change answer

a)  In this square draw the symbol used in the diagram for the oldest rock layer.

Question 2Change answer

b)  How many different layers of rock are shown in the diagram?

Question Change answer

c)  An oil company took a sample of the rocks when they drilled a hole from A to B.
     Using the symbols, draw what this section would look like.

Question

d)  Wind and water action has removed some of the rocks from the surface. This process is called

    • erosion

    • blasting

    • leaching

    • sedimentation

Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper or online with some auto-marking.
Copyright: 
Graphic: copyright NZCER
Level:
4
Curriculum info: 
Science, Communicating in science, Planet Earth
Keywords: 
Earth systems, erosion, rock layers, rocks, diagrams
Description of task: 
Students are provided with a diagram showing rock layers. Students use this diagram to answer a number of questions.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.
 
Capability: Interpret representations
Scientists represent their ideas in a variety of ways, including models, graphs, charts, diagrams and written texts. 
This resource provides opportunities to discuss:
  • the conventions of diagrams and how they clarify the meaning for the reader.
  • the advantages and disadvantages of using symbols rather than words to record data.
Science capabilities: 
Interpret representations
Making Better Sense: 
Different Rock/Soil Types
Answers/responses: 
  Y8 (05/1999)
a) very easy
b) 6 moderate
c) correct layers in correct sequence - moderate

 
as above, and angle & thickness reflect layers - difficult
d) A easy

 

Diagnostic and formative information: 
 

Common errors

b)

35% of students answered 5 for the number of layers.

c)

Reasons for missing sequence mark.
12 out of 33 wrong answers given included layer.
6 out of 33 wrong answers given showed only 1 layer.
6 out of 33 wrong answers given were not clearly drawn.

d)

17% of students gave option B.
15% of students gave option D.