Will my gravestone last?: an investigative
graveyard visit: teachers’ notes
Level
This activity is most suitable for 11-14 year olds. It can, however, be adapted to work
with any age range.
Topic
The main activity is an investigation into the weathering of different types of rock. The
extension material is concerned more with identification of rock types. At a very
simple level it can be about the weathering of rocks in general with time and location.
Description
The main part of the activity, which can be run as an open-ended pupil investigation,
is a visit to a nearby churchyard or cemetery. This will usually contain a variety of
rock types as headstones along with the dates at which they were first exposed to
weathering. Students can work out how long the headstone has been in place from
the date of death of the first occupant and visually estimate the amount of
weathering. They can use a key and a set of photographs to help them identify the
types of rock from which headstones are made and draw conclusions about the
factors that affect the rate of weathering of different types of stone. With most groups
it is wise to limit the number of different categories of rock types that they are going
to record. For example, granite will cover many coarse-grained igneous rocks,
without worrying about whether they are pink, grey or white.
Context
The activity is best undertaken after pupils have been introduced to the main groups
of rocks (igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic) and have studied weathering.
It could, however, be used as an introduction to weathering.
Teaching points
A preliminary visit to the site by the teacher is recommended in order to
take photographs showing the different types of gravestones and the ways in
which they have become weathered
decide how many types of rocks to advise students to use
prepare a sketch map of the site to be copied and issued to students
Pupils may be confused by the differences between weathering and erosion.
Weathering is the breakdown of rock in situ, caused by atmospheric and biological
agencies. Erosion is the removal of the rock debris by gravity or by moving agents
such as water, ice or wind. Where rock material is removed in solution, eg limestone
or marble, it is usually considered as an aspect of weathering.
Timing
One lesson is required for class preparation. About an hour should be allowed for the
visit. One lesson is required for follow-up along with a homework.
Apparatus
During the visit, each group of students will need