Rock Quarry Locations

Rock quarries are places where rocks and minerals are extracted from the surface of the Earth. These materials/natural resources are used by humans in many ways. This map and photo of a specific quarry demonstrate that quarries are typically found near water sources. We often think about how humans affect the environment, but in this case the environment is affecting human choices and use of natural resources. Iowa. 
 

Possible Guiding, Compelling and/or Anchoring Questions

• What trends do you notice about the location of rock quarries and sandpits in Iowa? 
• What reasons can you propose for these trends? 
• How has the availability of natural resources played a part in the location of rock quarries and sandpits?

Classroom Suggestions

• As an anchor phenomena, students could be given the map and series of photos of different rock quarry locations and set up to notice location and answer the compelling questions. The students could construct a T-chart graphic organizer to list what they notice and their prevailing questions about rock quarries.

Related Resources

• State Library of Iowa: Bedrock Map of Iowa
• Geology.com: Map of Iowa Rivers