Badlands National Park: 3D Rock Layers Activity

Experience the wonders of geology with our 'Badlands National Park: 3D Rock Layers Activity'. Dive into the fascinating world of the Badlands as you learn about and construct a detailed 3D model of its major rock layers. This interactive activity blends education with hands-on creativity to make learning fun and memorable.

As we explore Badlands National Park, we come across some amazing geologic features and formations like buttes, pinnacles and spires. What's even more amazing are the incredibly distinct rock layers that you can find throughout the park.

In this activity, students will read about the six major rock layers in Badlands National Park: Pierre Shale, Yellow Mounds, Chadron Formation, Brule Formation, Rockyford Ash and Sharps Formation. They will then color these rock layers based on their mineral compositions, cut out fossils and place them in the correct layer and finally cut out the rock layers to create a 3D model (all templates are included).

Then, students will answer 7 questions about what they learned, including "Which layer is the oldest and how do you know?" and "Describe how rock layers can help us understand what life was life in the past."

This product includes:

1. Teacher Directions-including prep info and materials needed 

2.  Credits

3. Teacher Procedure

4. Student Rock Layers Answer

5. Student Packet Answers

6. Steps With Pictures For Reference

7. 6 Page Student Packet-Reading and Info, Rock Layers Outline, Fossil Outlines,

8. Backdrop and 7 Analysis Questions  

9. Teacher Tips

To do this activity, students will need:

• A pencil

• A copy of "Badlands National Park" packet for each student or small group

• Colored pencils (specifically tan, gray, black, red, pink, brown and yellow) (if you don't have, for example, tan, students can modify using yellow and brown)

• Glue (stick works best) or tape

• Scissors

Watch my Youtube video about Badlands National Park here!

Also, check out my Youtube Channel for FREE informational videos about the national parks along with FREE video guides for your students!

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If you have any questions, feel free to email me at edventureswithmrsd@gmail.com.

Thank you!