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Earthworks
Earth System Science for Secondary Teachers


Megan Quitter (Earthworks 2000)
calwood-center@worldnet.att.net

Power Law Application to Rocks

What: Does the Power Law Distribution (PWL) apply to Granite, Schist, and Pegmatite (all rocks on Cal-Wood's property)

When: With future classes

Why: To determine whether these rocks fit into the PWL theory (idea)

Who: 5th grade groups

How:

  1. Smash each of the 3 rock types with a sledgehammer.
  2. Sieve rocks into various uniform sizes
  3. Weigh each size
  4. Calculate numbers using Power Law formula
  5. Plot on log graph paper

Where: Granite from 8125; Schist from Solitude Point, Pegmatite from the Mica Mine