Igneous Rock in Iowa

Igneous rocks in the form of granite rocks are all over Iowa, but with no active volcanoes or active plates how did they get here? Through deposits from glaciers as well as changing landscapes during the Earth’s history. 

Possible Guiding, Compelling and/or Anchoring Questions

• How are igneous rocks like granite formed?
• What other ways besides volcanoes could granite rocks move?

Classroom Suggestions

• Use this phenomena to help introduce the concept of using rocks to determine Earth’s history. The use of the sedimentary rock in Iowa would be helpful as well but the novelty of igneous rocks being in a place with a lack of volcanic action can spark some interests. 
• Use this phenomena as a way to introduce the rock cycle.

Related Resources

• The Rock Cycle Santa Fe College: This shows the three types of rocks and the rock cycle.
• Geology.com Rock identification: This is a simple chart that helps identify different types of rocks.
• Landform Regions of Iowa | State of Iowa: Simple explanations and map of how the glacier shaped Iowa’s landscape.