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Its hot!
Various wildlife seen
Explain that Laurel Canyon has changed dramatically over millions of years,
it was actually underwater for much of that time!
Ask: What caused the canyon to be lifted up so far out of the water? What
causes it to look the way that it does today? (Plate tectonics,
earthquakes/fault movements, and water levels changing over time.)
What type of rocks do you think make up most of the canyon? Why is this?
(Sedimentary, because sediments were deposited over time, mostly at sealevel since gravity dragged the sediments down to the lowest point.)
Tell students that they are going to watch a video that will take them on a
virtual hike of the canyon, and will explain some of the important features
that exist there. Explain that they will be taking notes about each of the
features, and discussing what the geological force is behind the creation of
that feature.
Distribute the Geology Note Taking Guide to the students to add to their
Geology Folders, or have them create a similar outline/organizer in their
existing science journals.
During the Video: (30-40 minutes)
Pause the video regularly, following each of the feature explanations given
by the videos guides: 1. Sandstone landforms of the Topanga formation. 2.
Offsetting 3. Caves and Ghost Rock of the Topanga formation 4. Fossils 5.
Intrusive igneous dike that forms the Waterfall.
Allow students to record the following: (See Lesson Notes Teaching Guide for
complete answer details)
A)Name of the feature.
B)What is the geological force that created this feature?
C)Describe the feature:
D)Of which layer of the coastal formation is this feature a part?
E) Draw a brief sketch of the formation as you perceive it.
After the video: (15-20 minutes)
Have students meet in groups of 3-5 students. Have each group member
select 1-2 of the features to review for the group. Allow students enough
time for each group member to review their feature for the others, and for
all five features to be reviewed. Explain to students that they can add,
revise, or discuss information together if they have discrepancies or
questions amongst them. Assist as needed. Have each student individually
complete one of the following exit questions.
3
Exit questions:
1)Compose three questions that someone who has watched this video
should be able to answer. (Answers will vary)
2)Discuss two pieces of evidence that Laurel Canyon was once a shallow sea,
and underwater. (Presence of sandstone and caves, presence of fossils.)
3) Discuss how erosion has played a part in the creation of the features you
viewed in the video. (water erosion created the caves, including Ghost Rock,
it has carried sediment downstream carrying fossils and other debris, erosion
created the meadow part-way through the hike, and erosion has exposed the
igneous intrusive dike that runs through the canyon--what we call the
waterfall today.)
For Field Study:
Think of three questions that you would like to explore for answers during
our Field Study hike in Laurel Canyon. (This activity can also function as the
Want to Know portion of a KWL chart, or be used to start a concept wall
that can be developed during the course of the unit and Field Study trips.)
Assessments:
This lesson serves to provide the factual information and background for
Field Study in Laurel Canyon.
Assessment may be based upon:
a) Notes and descriptions: complete, comprehensive, detailed.
b) Their ability to collaborate with others to: confirm comprehension, review
information for accuracy, and listen attentively to others.
c) Their ability to explain their understanding of concepts taught in the exit
questions.