Activity

Lost – a hot rock

In this activity, students examine an igneous rock and synthesise these observations into a poster that includes characteristic features of igneous rocks.

Pumice, a rhyolite rock.

Pumice

Pumice, a rhyolite, is very common in the central North Island. It may still have evidence of the bubbles of gas trapped as the rock solidified.

Rights: Hannes GrobeCreative Commons 2.5

By the end of this activity, students should be able to:

  • carefully observe rocks and carry out tests on them

  • identify the characteristics of igneous rocks

  • synthesise their investigations into a wanted poster.

Download the Word file (see link below) for:

  • introduction/background notes

  • what you need

  • what to do

  • discussion questions

  • activities.

Nature of science

Fieldwork is an important part of gathering evidence. Developing a poster provides an opportunity for students to be able to record their observations systematically.

Related content

Discover more about different types of volcanoes and types of volcanic rock.

Published: 9 April 2010,Updated: 9 April 2010