Roadstone - which rock?

The new ELI, published today, is 'Roadstone - which rock?' This activity asks pupils to investigate which rock types are best for the wearing course of roads.

 After completing the activity, pupils can:
• measure grain size of a selection of rocks;
• use six criteria to determine the best choice of rock for the wearing course of a road;
• realise that, because of the high cost of transporting aggregate, slightly inferior rocks are often used;
• appreciate that limestone, although not suitable for motorways, is extensively used because it is readily available.
This investigation can be carried out as a revision exercise of the major rock types in science, environmental science, geography or economics lessons.
Many more teaching ideas can be found on our website.