The teacher will provide samples of sandstone, limestone, shale and granite to share with each group. Each group should have 7-9 rocks for the discovery investigation. Students will need to number or name their rocks for data collection. Instruct the groups to predict and record in a T-Graph in their journal what they think will happen when five drops of water are dropped on each rock. Collect information and organize your data to share and discuss with the class.
Permeability allows water and other liquids to flow through and collect in the rock.
Water moves through the pores in the rocks much like water moving through a sponge. Permeable rocks will collect and store larger amounts of water. Using the collected data from student journals hypothesize what will happen if 10 drops of water are used on each pre-tested rock. Record your new information in jour journal on a new T-chart. Test your hypothesis.