Rock On! Exploring the Rock Cycle and Rock Types

Earth & Space Science Grades High School 4:39 Video
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Lesson Description

Discover the fascinating world of rocks! This lesson explores the three main rock types – igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic – and how they transform through the rock cycle.

Video Resource

3 Types of Rocks and the Rock Cycle: Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic - FreeSchool

Free School

Duration: 4:39
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Key Concepts

  • Igneous rocks form from cooled magma or lava.
  • Sedimentary rocks form from compressed and cemented sediments.
  • Metamorphic rocks form when existing rocks are transformed by heat and pressure.
  • The rock cycle is a continuous process where rocks change from one type to another.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify and describe the three main types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
  • Students will be able to explain how each type of rock is formed.
  • Students will be able to describe the rock cycle and how rocks transform from one type to another.
  • Students will be able to provide examples of each type of rock.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by engaging students with the question: "What are rocks made of, and why are there so many different kinds?" Briefly discuss their initial ideas and introduce the video.
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Play the FreeSchool video: "3 Types of Rocks and the Rock Cycle: Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic." Instruct students to take notes on the key features of each rock type and the processes involved in the rock cycle.
  • Igneous Rocks (10 mins)
    Discuss igneous rocks. Ask: "How are they formed? What are some examples? What is the difference between intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks?" Show examples of granite and obsidian and discuss their formation.
  • Sedimentary Rocks (10 mins)
    Discuss sedimentary rocks. Ask: "How are they formed? What are some examples? What processes are involved in forming sedimentary rocks?" Show examples of sandstone and limestone and discuss their formation, including the role of fossils.
  • Metamorphic Rocks (10 mins)
    Discuss metamorphic rocks. Ask: "How are they formed? What are some examples? What are the agents of metamorphism?" Show examples of marble and gneiss and discuss how they are formed from other rocks.
  • The Rock Cycle (8 mins)
    Explain the rock cycle as a continuous process. Use a diagram to illustrate how rocks transform through melting, cooling, weathering, erosion, compaction, cementation, heat, and pressure. Emphasize that any rock type can become any other rock type.
  • Wrap-up & Quiz Introduction (5 mins)
    Summarize the key concepts of the lesson. Prepare students for the multiple choice and fill in the blank quiz.

Interactive Exercises

  • Rock Identification Activity
    Provide students with a collection of rock samples and have them identify each rock as igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic based on its characteristics. They should justify their classifications.
  • Rock Cycle Diagram Creation
    Have students create their own diagrams of the rock cycle, labeling each stage and the processes involved. They can use colors and illustrations to make their diagrams more engaging.

Discussion Questions

  • How does the rock cycle demonstrate that Earth is a dynamic and constantly changing planet?
  • What role do plate tectonics and volcanic activity play in the rock cycle?
  • How can understanding the rock cycle help us locate valuable natural resources?

Skills Developed

  • Observation and analysis
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving
  • Scientific reasoning and argumentation
  • Data interpretation

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which type of rock is formed from cooled magma or lava?

Correct Answer: Igneous

Question 2:

Which process is NOT involved in the formation of sedimentary rocks?

Correct Answer: Melting

Question 3:

Which type of rock is formed when existing rocks are changed by heat and pressure?

Correct Answer: Metamorphic

Question 4:

What is the continuous process where rocks change from one type to another called?

Correct Answer: The Rock Cycle

Question 5:

Granite is an example of which type of rock?

Correct Answer: Igneous

Question 6:

Sandstone is an example of which type of rock?

Correct Answer: Sedimentary

Question 7:

Marble is formed from which original rock?

Correct Answer: Limestone

Question 8:

The process of magma or lava cooling and solidifying is called:

Correct Answer: Crystallization

Question 9:

The breakdown of rocks at the Earth's surface is known as:

Correct Answer: Weathering

Question 10:

Which of the following processes turns sedimentary rock into metamorphic rock?

Correct Answer: Heat and Pressure

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

________ rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.

Correct Answer: Igneous

Question 2:

________ is the process where sediments are pressed together under pressure.

Correct Answer: Compaction

Question 3:

________ rocks are formed from pre-existing rocks that are altered by heat, pressure, or chemically active fluids.

Correct Answer: Metamorphic

Question 4:

The rock cycle is driven by Earth's internal heat and external processes like ________.

Correct Answer: Weathering

Question 5:

Obsidian is an example of an ________ rock that cools very quickly.

Correct Answer: Igneous

Question 6:

Fossils are most commonly found in ________ rocks.

Correct Answer: Sedimentary

Question 7:

________ is a metamorphic rock that is formed from limestone.

Correct Answer: Marble

Question 8:

The transportation of weathered materials is called ________.

Correct Answer: Erosion

Question 9:

Magma that erupts onto the Earth's surface is called ________.

Correct Answer: Lava

Question 10:

The process of solidifying or becoming rigid is known as ________.

Correct Answer: Crystallization

Educational Standards

ES.ESS2.1:[Standard] Develop a model to illustrate how Earth’s internal and surface processes operate at different scales of space and time to form continental and ocean-floor features. ES.ESS2.2:[Standard] Analyze geoscience data to make the claim that one change to Earth’s surface can create feedbacks and interactions that cause changes to other Earth’s systems. ES.ESS1.5:[Standard] Evaluate evidence in the patterns of the past and current movements of continental and oceanic crust and the theory of plate tectonics to explain the ages of crustal rocks.

Teaching Materials

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