Science Rocks!

Rock Cycle:  The Hard Truth

This week’s 5th and 6th grade science lesson was all about rocks!  Students learned all about the Rock Cycle, the three main categories of rocks (sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic), how each is formed, and the different characteristic traits of each type.  We discussed how all the rocks on the earth are constantly changing due to weathering and changes in pressure and temperature.  The students used this information and a dichotomous key to help them identify 10 different rocks. By examining and identifying samples of different rock types, the students developed a greater understanding for how each rock type is formed.  The students were particularly excited to see a real sample of obsidian, a highly sought after rock in the popular game Minecraft! Now they know what type of rock obsidian is and how it is actually formed!

 

Additional Information:

This YouTube video offers a fun review of the three rock types. It’ll make you hungry to learn about rocks! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pg_jKJFbA2A

Questions:

Explain how granite (a igneous rock) can be turned into gneiss ( a metamorphic rock).

How do sedimentary rocks form?

 

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