Classweekly

Label the Rock Layers of the Grand Canyon

Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher

"Label the Rock Layers of the Grand Canyon" is written for 8th Grade (Ages 13-14), and it covers NGSS MS-ESS1-4. A 7th grader who is already steady on Earth science can use it too, and an older student can use it as a short review.

Popular with 8th Grade teachers · Downloaded 337 times
Label the Rock Layers of the Grand Canyon
Label the Rock Layers of the Grand Canyon

8th grade science worksheet: order Grand Canyon layers from Vishnu Schist to Kaibab Limestone and find the gap at the unconformity. Answer key included. Part of our weathering and rock layers earth science collection. Aligned to NGSS standards.

How do I use this worksheet?

Begin with the geologic time terms passage, then apply the rules on the cross section sheet. Use the Grand Canyon and glacier sheets to connect the rules to real places.

What students will practice

  • Students will place six names, including the Great Unconformity, on the canyon wall in order of forming.
  • Students will calculate the time gap at the Great Unconformity from the ages.
  • Students will explain why the oldest rock lies at the bottom of the canyon.


Curriculum Links

Next Generation Science Standards

Science · 8th Grade

MS-ESS1-4
View all MS-ESS1-4 worksheets →

Find this in the curriculum

Browse the grade, subject, and topic this belongs to.

FAQ

How do I use this weathering and rock layers worksheet?

⌄

Begin with the geologic time terms passage, then apply the rules on the cross section sheet. Use the Grand Canyon and glacier sheets to connect the rules to real places.

What does this worksheet teach?

⌄

Order Grand Canyon layers from Vishnu Schist to Kaibab Limestone and find the gap at the unconformity. The directions on the page read: Use the text and the ages on the wall. Write a name from the word bank in each box and its order of forming (1 = first). Then answer the questions. An answer key is included.

Can I use this weathering and rock layers worksheet for homeschool or classroom?

⌄

Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade Earth science, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.

What is an unconformity?

⌄

An unconformity is an old erosion surface where rock wore away before new layers formed on top. It marks a gap in the rock record. At the Grand Canyon's Great Unconformity, rock once above the Vishnu Schist was worn away.

What is the law of cross cutting relationships?

⌄

A fault, dike or channel is younger than every rock it cuts. Geologists use this with superposition to put events in order. Order Rock Events Using Cross Cutting has students order 11 letters from oldest to youngest.

What landforms do glaciers make?

⌄

Glaciers carve cirques, horns, aretes and U-shaped valleys, and they drop moraines, erratics and outwash plains. Kettle lakes form where buried ice melted. The glacier sheet sorts nine landforms into erosion and deposition.

Ratings & Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share what you think.

Reviews are for ClassWeekly members.

Make a Request

Spotted something to fix, or want a worksheet we don't have yet? Tell us and we'll make it.

Worksheet Details

Grade8th Grade
SubjectScience
TopicEarth Science
StandardMS-ESS1-4
Pages1 page
DifficultyMedium

What is ClassWeekly?

ClassWeekly offers free worksheets and printable learning resources for kids, from preschool up. All worksheets are aligned to Common Core, NGSS, and C3 Framework standards and designed by educators. Become a member to access the full library and download unlimited PDFs.