Name:_________________
Igneous Rock Inquiry
Background: The following investigation will help you learn about the characteristics of
igneous rocks. You will be studying their origin, texture, and mineral compositions. Use the
following website and the corresponding questions to aide you in your igneous rock journey.
Website:
http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/content/investigations/es0603/es0603page01.cf
m?chapter_no=investigation
Page 1: All four of these images show igneous rocks—each one formed as melted rock cooled and
solidified. Examine the rocks and consider their similarities and differences. Write a short description
for each rock sample in the space provided.
Sample 1:
Sample 2:
Sample 3:
Sample 4:
Page 2: Identify a rock sample as: coarse grain, fine grain, glassy, or porphyritic
Sample 1:
Sample 2:
Sample 3:
Sample 4:
Page 3: Draw a course grain, fine grain, or porphyritic rock in the space below.
Coarse
Fine
Porphyritic
Page 4: Identify the texture of each of these igneous rocks as coarse-grained, fine-grained or
porphyritic. Record your answers in the table.
1
4
2
5
3
6
Sample 1:
Sample 2:
Sample 3:
Sample 4:
Sample 5:
Sample 6:
Page 5: Watch the 3 animations. Take notes on what occurs at each volcanic process
Magma:
Pyroclastic Flow:
Lava Flow:
Page 6:
1
2
3
4
5
6
Sample 1:
Cooling Rate:
Sample 2:
Cooling Rate:
Sample 3:
Cooling Rate:
Cooling Environment:
Cooling Environment:
Cooling Environment:
Sample 4:
Cooling Rate:
Sample 5:
Cooling Rate:
Sample 6:
Cooling Rate:
Cooling Environment:
Cooling Environment:
Cooling Environment:
Conclusion: Think about what we have studied concerning Igneous rocks and please answer
the following prompts: Be specific!
A. I feel very confident in…
B. I could use a little more practice with…..
C. I have no clue about….