Learning Objectives

The goal of this exercise is for you to apply understanding of sedimentary rocks to paleo-environmental reconstruction, in which ancient sedimentary and tectonic environments can be determined over thousands of kilometers and hundreds of millions of years. You will see the tremendous power of sedimentary rock identification! You will also start to recognize the spatial and temporal scales over which geological processes operate, and that knowledge is essential for deep understanding of plate tectonics and geology. In addition you will gain valuable experience using algebraic manipulations and applying quantitative reasoning to natural data, forming an easy bridge to mathematics.

Standards Addressed

Within standard area 3.3.A Earth Structure, Processes and Cycles, this activity and its elements are appropriate for grade bands 6-8 and 9-12 as part of “Earth Features and the Processes that Change It”. They are also appropriate for multiple Unifying Themes across the same grade bands. The activity was designed for advanced students, but can be modified for the 6-8 grade band by having the teacher provide some or all of the measurements of individual rock units. 

Preparation Time Needed

There is no substantial preparation needed to use this activity in class. The teacher will need to print out individual stratigraphic columns (be aware that a screen capture or screen print will not always cover the entire figure) in advance, or assign this step as homework if students have access to individual color printing. As with any activity, we strongly recommend that the teacher work through the exercise in advance (and contact the author if you have questions). 

Class Time Required

This activity can be accomplished in teams in two or three class periods, assuming students work efficiently. Measuring and unit conversions should be started in class but can then be assigned for homework and distributed amongst several students. If a longer time period is desired, the activity can be implemented individually over a period of more than a week. 

Activity Description

Sedimentary rocks provide insight into the changing environments of the past. Students should already know how to identify several key sedimentary rock types, and have an understanding of the conditions under which they formed. In this exercise students will look at sedimentary sequences that record the history of the western United States from the PreCambrian through the age of the dinosaurs. Students will evaluate data on two different spatial scales: (a) variations within Grand Canyon, and (b) differences between rocks at the western and eastern ends of Grand Canyon. All of the geological information that students need is provided here, but they will need to consult a good regional map (search online for maps of the Grand Canyon region).

We provide the instructions for classroom implementation and a supplemental sheet to assist with measurement conversions. 

Latitudes and Longitudes for the Grand Canyon Stratigraphic Columns

Diamond Creek	35°45’59.38” N	113°22’24.07” W
Grand Wash Cliffs	36°3’0.65” N	113°57’6.57” W
South Kaibab Trail	36°3’12.99” N	112°5’1.56” W
Kanab Canyon	36°23’32.56” N	112°37’46.86” W
Nankoweap Canyon	36°18’14.88” N	111°51’57.81” W
Glen Canyon	36°51’22.46” N	111°34’23.57” W

 

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