Lesson

Introduction

Objectives

Pre-test

Presentation

Activity

Post-test

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Standards (TEKS)



Classification of Sediments
Sediments and sedimentary rocks can be described (classified) by the size, shape and composition of the sediment particles.  These characteristics tell us something about the source of the sediment, the environment in which it was deposited, and the history of movement to the depositional site. 

Let's look at some sedimentary rocks!

Compare the pictures of conglomerate, sandstone, and limestone.

  • How large are the sedimentary grains (grain size)?
  • How uniform is the grain size in the sediment (degree of sorting)?
  • What shape are the grains?
  • What is the color of the sediment?
  • Can you see any fossils?