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Viscosity:
a guided discovery experiment
(sixth grade)

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The experiment shown in this series of clips involves some interesting materials that model one of the earth science concepts we are studying. It involves some engaging tools, and together, the materials and tools suggest an experiment.

Overview of the lesson:

Objective: Igneous rocks: be able to explain the relationship between igneous rock and magma. Use the concept of viscosity in the explanation. The lesson consists of

•  an introduction where students read in the text an article about igneous rocks (followed by a discussion);

•  explore the materials for an experiment (then discuss);

•  conduct an experiment (then discuss);

•  examine samples of igneous rocks (then discuss).

The points this lesson is trying to teach:

•  Igneous rocks are formed from magma.

•  There are differences in magma that affect what kind of igneous rock will form when it cools to become part of the crust, and will affect the characteristics of that rock.

•  Important differences between different magmas include silica content and temperature.

•  These two differences affect the viscosity of the magma.

The ideas for this lesson have been adapted from the book Plate Tectonics, from GEMS, of Lawrence Hall of Science, UC Berkeley.

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