Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences

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