Format
1. The program begins with a brief introduction to Chiricahua National Monument and the presenting ranger.
2. We then cover basic geology concepts, such as what geology is, the three main types of rocks, the rock cycle, the geologic timeline, and plate tectonics.
3. Next, we bring these concepts into a discussion of how the rock pinnacles at Chiricahua were formed.
4. Participants will also learn about other geologic features in the park, such as chicken heads, case hardening, and tafoni.
5. The remaining time will be used for questions and answers.
Objectives
The participants will:
- understand geology and its main concepts (i.e., geologic timeline, the rock cycle, plate tectonics, etc.)
- be able to describe the three main types of rocks and how they are formed
- learn how the unique rock formations at Chiricahua National Monument were created
Standards Alignment
National Standards
4-ESS1-1. Identify evidence from patterns in rock formations and fossils in rock layers to support an explanation for changes in a landscape over time
4-ESS2-1. Make observations and/or measurements to provide evidence of the effects of weathering or the rate of erosion by water, ice, wind, or vegetation
4-ESS2-2. Analyze and interpret data from maps to describe patterns of Earth’s features
MS-ESS1-4. Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence from rock strata for how the geologic time scale is used to organize Earth’s 4.6-billion-year-old history
MS-ESS2-2. Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth’s surface at varying time and spatial scales
MS-ESS2-3. Analyze and interpret data on the distribution of fossils and rocks, continental shapes, and seafloor structures to provide evidence of the past plate motions.
State Standards
Arizona State Science Standards
4.E1U1.7 Develop and/or revise a model using various rock types, fossil location, and landforms to show evidence that Earth’s surface has changed over time