Year 8 WASP – Teacher Introduction
The WASP (Woodside Australian Science Project) is an initiative between Woodside and
Earth Science Western Australia (ESWA).
These activities are designed to provide support for the Earth Science part of the Earth &
Space Science and part of the Chemical Sciences topic required by the Year 8 Australian
Curriculum.
Copies of this and other supporting material can be obtained from the WASP website
http://www.wasp.edu.au or by contacting Julia Ferguson, [email protected].
Topic 1 Why Study Rocks?
Topic 2 Rock Cycle
Topic 3 Identifying Common Rock Types
Topic 4 Rocks and Minerals as Resources
Topic 5 Aboriginal Perspective
Year 8 Australian Curriculum Science
Earth & Space Science
Sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks contain minerals and are formed by
processes that occur within Earth over a variety of timescales.
o Representing the stages in the formation of igneous, metamorphic and
sedimentary rocks, including indications of timescales involved.
o Identifying a range of common rock types using a key based on observable
physical and chemical properties.
o Recognising that rocks are a collection of different minerals
o Recognising that some rocks and minerals, such as ores, provide valuable
resources.
Chemical Sciences
The properties of the different states of matter can be explained in terms of the
motion and arrangement of particles.
o Using the particle model to explain observed phenomena linking the energy
of particles to temperature changes.
Differences between elements, compounds and mixtures can be described at a
particle level.
o Recognising that elements and simple compounds can be represented by
symbols and formulas.
Chemical change involves substances reacting to form new substances.
o Identifying the differences between chemical and physical changes.
o Identifying evidence that a chemical change has taken place.
An initiative supported by Woodside and ESWA
Year 8 WASP – Teacher Introduction
Topic 1 Why Study Rocks?
We Need Rocks for Breakfast – Student Activity
Why Study Rocks? – Student Activity
Topic 2 Rock Cycle
Rock Cycle Relevance – Student Activity
- Weathering
1. Physical Weathering
Freezing (Plaster) – Student Activity
Frost Heave – Student Activity
Freezing – Student Homework
Thermal Expansion (Heat) – Student Activity
2. Chemical Weathering
Oxidation – Student Activity
Weathering (salt & water) - Student Activity
Acid Rain – Student Activity
Acid Weathering – Student Activity
Acid Weathering – Student Homework
Grave Concern – Student Activity
3. Biological Weathering
Biological Weathering – Student Activity
- Erosion
Erosion by Water – Student Activity
Erosion by Wind – Student Activity
Knocking Off the Rough Edges – Student Activity
Soil Creep (Gravity ) – Student Activity
Landslide Preparation – Student Activity
Glaciation (Ice Erosion) - Student Activity
Yandy (Separation by Movement) – Student Activity
Erosion Timescale – Teacher Notes
An initiative supported by Woodside and ESWA
Year 8 WASP – Teacher Introduction
- Deposition
Deposition Data – Student Activity
Graded Bedding – Student Activity
Grain Size Indicator – Teacher Notes
Flume Tube - Teacher Demonstration
Sedimentary Sandwiches – Student Activity
- Compaction and Cementation
Dewatering of Sediments – Student Activity
Sedimentary Pile – Student Activity
- Crystallisation
Melting and Crystallising – Student Activity
- Uplift
Uplift – Student Activity
Topic 3 Identifying Common Rock Types
Rock Kit Possibilities for Year 8
1. General Rock Classification
Rock Classification – Student Activity
Rock Classification – Dichotomous Key
Replica Rocks – Student Activity
2. Sedimentary, Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks
Identifying Sedimentary Rocks – Teacher Background
Recognising Sedimentary Rocks – Student Activity
Recognising Igneous Rocks – Student Activity
Recognising Metamorphic Rocks – Student Activity
An initiative supported by Woodside and ESWA
Year 8 WASP – Teacher Introduction
Topic 4 Rocks and Minerals as Resources
Rocks, Minerals & Resources – Teacher Background
Common Minerals – Teacher Reference
Minerals Form Crystals – Student Activity
Recognising Minerals – Student Activity
Mineral Composition – Web Search
Mineral Resources – Teacher Background (with activity)
Sources of Resources – Student Activity
Topic 5 Aboriginal Perspective
Aboriginal Stone Tools – Teacher Notes
Replica Petroglyph – Student Activity
An Excellent Tool – Teacher Notes (with activity)
Other Aboriginal Uses of Rocks – Teacher Notes
An initiative supported by Woodside and ESWA
