Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic Rocks and the Rock Cycle

Igneous Rocks, Sedimentary Rocks, Metamorphic Rocks, and the Rock Cycle

NV State Standard: Grade 7 - Earth Science

Standards:

E.8.C.1 - Students know sedimentary rocks and fossils provide evidence for changing environments and the constancy of geologic processes. [E/S]

E.8.C.2 - Students know rocks at Earth’s surface weather, forming sediments that are buried, then compacted, heated and often recrystallized into new rock. [E/S]

Objectives:

5.1 - The student will distinguish between sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.

5.2 - The student will diagram the rock cycle.

Background:

The rock cycle is the formation, breaking down, and reformation of rock described in a model by the processes of sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous. Rocks are created and destroyed in these processes creating three types of rocks: igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks. The rocks can be created by high pressure, high heat, freezing, or melting.

Lesson:

1. Read about the rock cycle and how weathering has an effect on a rock’s process here

2. Explore how rocks change and how heat and pressure can alter a rock here

3. Click here and discover the three types of rocks and how rocks undergo change with an interactive rock cycle animation

4. Observe the differences in texture, shape, and color between igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks here

Group/Independent Work:

Take out a piece of paper and title it “3 Types of Rocks and the Rock Cycle”. Make 3 columns and name the columns Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic. Number 1-8 in each column. Using the pictures here, list eight names of each type of rock under the Igneous column, Sedimentary column, and Metamorphic column. (There should be 24 names listed, 8 for each rock type). Using the key characteristics chart at the bottom of the page here, list at least 2 characteristics next to each name of rock (crystals, fossils, sand or pebbles, gas bubbles, glassy surface, ribbonlike layers). There should be 2 characteristics for each of the 24 names of rocks.  

On the back of your paper, create your own model of the rock cycle. Be sure to include the different types of weathering, the 3 types of rock, and the processes for each rock. You will be graded on proper labeling, coloring, and creativity. Share and discuss with a partner.

Post:

Once you have completed the list of rocks, characteristics, and model of the rock cycle, search the website for your idea of the perfect rock cycle. (Hint: perhaps it will have pictures of the different types of rocks or animations). Post the website address and explain in a paragraph why you chose this rock cycle model to portray your idea of the perfect rock cycle. 

Extension:

Test your skills! Correctly identify each rock’s characteristics and then pick which rock type the rock belongs to. You have one chance to get the answer correct and each question is worth one point. Complete this activity here in six minutes.

Assignment Rubric:

CATEGORY	4	3	2	1
Identifies important information	Student identifies all 3 different types of rocks and steps of the rock cycle without having information or illustrations in front of him/her.	Student identifies all 3 different types of rocks and steps of the rock cycle but uses information or illustrations for reference.	Student identifies all but one of the 3 different types of rocks and steps of the rock cycle and uses information or illustrations for reference.	Student cannot identify any of the 3 different types of rocks and steps of the rock cycle with accuracy while using information or illustrations for reference.
Identifies characteristics	Student accurately identifies at least 5 different characteristics of rocks and gives a clear explanation of why these are characteristics.	Student accurately identifies at least 4 different characteristics of rocks and gives a reasonable explanation of why they are characteristics.	Student accurately identifies at least 4 different characteristics of rocks however explanation of why they are characteristics is weak.	Student has difficulty identifying characteristics of rocks.
The rock cycle model	Student accurately explains how rock cycle graphic/diagram is related to the text and creates a clear and accurate model of the rock cycle.	Student accurately explains how rock cycle graphic/diagram is related to the text and creates a somewhat clear model of the rock cycle.	Student somewhat explains how rock cycle graphic/diagram is related to the text and creates an inaccurate model of the rock cycle.	Student has difficulty explaining how rock cycle graphic/diagram is related to the text and does not create a model of the rock cycle.
Summarization	Student uses paragraph to describe clearly the chosen rock cycle model web address.	Student uses several sentences to accurately describe the chosen rock cycle model web address.	Student summarizes most of the chosen rock cycle model web address, but has some slight misunderstanding.	Student has great difficulty summarizing the chosen rock cycle model web address.

Extra Resources:

EasyBib - Website to assist with citing instantly!

Tutor.com - Online tutoring site that provides a tutor one-to-one!

Interactive Rock Cycle - Explore the rock cycle diagram with illustrations and animations!

Discovery Channel - Learn about earthquakes and how to make one with the earthquake simulator!

Volcanoes - Read about how volcanoes form and watch the short video on viscosity!