SOL # |
SOL |
Key Points |
Activities |
Earth Science.5 |
The student will investigate and understand how to identify
major rock-forming and ore minerals based on physical and chemical properties. Key
concepts include � Uses of minerals
� Properties including hardness, color and streak, luster,
cleavage, fracture, and unique properties |
Saltville has vast deposits of salt, (NaCl), and gypsum (CaSO42H20
or hydrous calcium sulphate). Both are evaporates left by an ancient sea. Limestone is
also plentiful in the area. These have been used to produce rock salt, baking soda,
chlorine, hydrazine, wallboard, dry ice, etc. |
Observation of the rocks and minerals in the Geology exhibit.
Identification of the minerals and discussion of their uses. |
Earth Science.6 |
The student will investigate and understand how to identify
common rock types based on mineral composition and textures and the rock cycle as it
relates to the transformation of rock types. Key concepts include �
Igneous (intrusive and extrusive);
� Sedimentary (clastic and chemical); and metamorphic
(foliated and unfoliated) rock |
The Geology exhibit has examples of each of the types of
rocks listed in the SOL. |
Observation of the rocks in the Geology exhibit. Discussion
and identification of the rock types observed. |
Earth Science.7 |
The student will investigate and understand the
differences between renewable and nonrenewable resources. Key concepts include � Fossil fuels, minerals, rocks, water, and vegetation;
� Resources found in Virginia;
� Environmental costs and benefits. |
The Geology exhibit contains samples of coal and related
sources of fuel. Salt was a vital natural resource, especially during the 19th
century. Vast amounts of wood were used to fire the furnaces for salt production. As a
result, the hills were bare for miles. |
Discussion of the salt and gypsum production in Saltville. |
Earth Science.8 |
The student will investigate and understand
geologic processes including plate tectonics. Key concepts include �
How geologic processes are evidenced in the physiographic provinces of Virginia
� Processes (faulting, folding, volcanism, metamorphism,
weathering, erosion, deposition, and sedimentation) and their resulting features; and
� Tectonic processes (subduction, rifting and sea floor
spreading, and continental collision) |
The Saltville Fault, a 450-mile fault beginning in Craig
County in Virginia and stretching into Alabama, runs underneath Saltville. |
Observation and discussion of the fault line on the
interactive valley model. Observation of the actual fault approximately half a mile from
the museum. |
Earth Science.9 |
The student will investigate and understand how
freshwater resources are influenced by geologic processes and the activities of humans.
Key concepts include Development of karst topography |
There are numerous sinkholes in the Saltville area. (an
example of karst topography) |
Observation of the aerial photos of the large sinkhole in the
area. Discussion of various causes of sinkholes. |
Earth Science.10 |
The student will investigate and understand that
many aspects of the history and evolution of the Earth and life can be inferred by
studying rocks and fossils. Key concepts include � Traces or
remains of ancient, often extinct, life are preserved by various means in many sedimentary
rocks;
� Superposition, cross-cutting relationships, and
radioactive decay are methods of dating bodies of rock;
� Rocks and fossils from many different geologic periods
and epochs are found in Virginia |
Every aspect of Saltville’s existence has been
influenced by its geology. This is documented in all of the exhibits at the museum. During
Spring 2002, the Saltville Exhibit Hall is showcasing an exhibit of locally recovered
fossils which spans the geologic ages of the earth. For more information, click here. |
Observation and discussion of the Geology exhibit. Tour of
the exhibit, "Fossils: Traces of the Ages". Worksheets and study guides are
available to teachers. |
Biology.7 |
The student will investigate and understand bases
for modern classification systems. Key concepts include
� Fossil record interpretation |
The museum has an extensive collection of fossils on display. During
Spring 2002, the Saltville Exhibit Hall is showcasing an exhibit of locally recovered
fossils which spans the geologic ages of the earth. For more information, click here. |
Observation and discussion of ice age mammal fossils. "Dig It" Exhibit - contains various fossils which can be
uncovered.
Tour of the exhibit, "Fossils: Traces of the Ages". Worksheets and study
guides are available to teachers. |
Biology.8 |
The student will investigate and understand how
populations change through time. Key concepts include � Examining
evidence found in fossil records; |
The museum has an extensive collection of fossils on display. During
Spring 2002, the Saltville Exhibit Hall is showcasing an exhibit of locally recovered
fossils which spans the geologic ages of the earth. For more information, click here. |
Observation and discussion of ice age mammal fossils. Tour
of the exhibit, "Fossils: Traces of the Ages". Worksheets and study guides are
available to teachers. |
| Chemistry.6 |
The student will investigate and understand how
basic chemical principles relate to other areas of chemistry. � Environmental
chemistry |
Olin Chemical Corporation and U. S. Gypsum produced a variety
of products from the natural resources in the area. (soda and chlorine from the salt,
etc.) |
Discussion of the various products produced in Saltville from
the resources available here. |
