Activity 3: Ancient Rocks

View from Rockytop Overlook at Shenandoah National Park.

NPS Photo

We know about the development, changes to the environment, different animals, and plant groups from geologic history found in the rocks that comprise the crust of the Earth. Scientists dutifully studied the composition, structure, and relationship of rocks and the fossils they contain.

The oldest rocks in the parks are Precambrian in age, from 3 billion to 600 million years old! During this period, Earth saw the development of algae, fungi, and soft-bodied marine plants and animals.

Precambrian rocks can be found worldwide, but in the United States rocks this old are found in the cores of major mountain ranges. They also occur in the Lake Superior region and some areas in the southwest.

 

Precambrian Geology Trivia Activity

Trivia is a fun way to learn new things and test your knowledge. Continue scrolling to explore Parks with Precambrian Geology and then test what you learned through interactive images!

 

Question #1

Left image
Credit: NPS Photo

Right image
Precambrian Geology Trivia Question #1

Look at the scenic view above. Research the following options by clicking the links next to each Park. Check your answer by dragging the image sliding tool left and right.

a) Glacier National Park, Montana—Geodiversity Atlas | Park Home

b) Keweenaw National Historic Park, Michigan—Geodiversity Atlas | Park Home

c) Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado—Geodiversity Atlas | Park Home

(Hint: Look in the photo galleries and geology pages for each Park!)

 

Question #2

Left image
Credit: NPS Photo / A. Armstrong

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Precambrian Geology Trivia Question #2

Look at the scenic view above. Research the following options by clicking the links next to each Park. Check your answer by dragging the image sliding tool left and right.

a) Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia—Geodiversity Atlas | Park Home

b) Keweenaw National Historic Park, Michigan—Geodiversity Atlas | Park Home

c) Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado—Geodiversity Atlas | Park Home

(Hint: Look in the photo galleries and geology pages for each Park!) 

 

 

Question #3

Left image
Credit: NPS Photo

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Trivia Question #3

Look at the scenic view above. Research the following options by clicking the links next to each Park. Check your answer by dragging the image sliding tool left and right.

a) City of Rocks National Reserve, Idaho—Geodiversity Atlas | Park Home

b) Voyaguers National Park, Minnesota—Geodiversity Atlas | Park Home

c) Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming—Geodiversity Atlas | Park Home

(Hint: Look in the photo galleries and geology pages for each Park!) 

 

Question #4

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NPS Photo

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Trivia Question #4

Look at the scenic view above. Research the following options by clicking the links next to each Park. Check your answer by dragging the image sliding tool left and right.

a) Isle Royale National Park, Michigan—Geodiversity Atlas | Park Home

b) Voyaguers National Park, Minnesota—Geodiversity Atlas | Park Home

c) Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada—Geodiversity Atlas | Park Home


(Hint: Look in the photo galleries and geology pages for each Park!) 

 

Question #5

Left image
NPS Photo

Right image
Trivia Question #5

Look at the scenic view above. Research the following options by clicking the links next to each Park. Check your answer by dragging the image sliding tool left and right.

a) Isle Royale National Park, Michigan—Geodiversity Atlas | Park Home

b) Glacier National Park, Montana—Geodiversity Atlas | Park Home

c) City of Rocks National Reserve, Idaho—Geodiversity Atlas | Park Home


(Hint: Look in the photo galleries and geology pages for each Park!) 

 

Reflection

1. Think about the time it took for these massive geologic wonders to form. What would you have seen if you were there? If you could travel to see ancient rock formations anywhere in the world where would you go?
2. Scientists often ask themselves these questions to spark new ideas or understand different perspectives. Use your Junior Geoscientist Activity Log to capture some of your ideas and answer these questions.
3. After your reflection, continue to the next activity!

 

Related National Park Service Websites

• Geologic Time
• Age of the Earth
• Radiometric Age Dating
• Geologic Time Scale
• Linking Rocks and Time

 

Junior Geoscientist Main Page