As the pioneers traveled the Oregon trail they came across various landmarks which they used to identify their position along the way. The Cayuse Indians also had a landmark rock that came from an Indian legend. Have examples of each rock type for students to handle and examine. Discuss the differences of these three rock types and identify the rocks which the pioneers saw or used. Various uses of different rocks could be discussed and researched.
Groups can review and research types of rocks and write mini-reports.
Have the kids simulate Independence Rock by writing their names on a piece of butcher paper and including their own personal messages. Please remind students that writing on rocks is not an acceptable practice today and is considered graffiti and vandalism. Many of the rocks written on by pioneers are protected as part of state and federal parks today. Talk about hardness levels of different rocks. Have students bring in their own rock samples and match these with class samples.