Name ________________________________________________________ Date _____________ Period _____________
Rock Cycle Interactive
http://www.learner.org/interactives/rockcycle
Rocks come in cool colors, shapes, textures, and sizes and are found all around you, but
how much do you really know about them? During this Interactive, you will discover rock
secrets, create a rock collection as you learn about the three main rock types, find out how
to tell the different rock types apart, and see how rocks change from one type into another.
Introduction
1. Label the basic rock cycle.
Types of Rocks
1. What are the three main types, or classes, of rocks?
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Name ________________________________________________________ Date _____________ Period _____________
2. What are sedimentary rocks? Include two examples.
3. What are metamorphic rocks? Include two examples.
4. What are igneous rocks? Include two examples.
5. Complete the chart below of the key characteristics in identifying rocks.
6. Rock Collection
As you place each rock into your collection, write down a brief description of it
including where you “found it. You will use this information later to identify other
rocks.
Conglomerate Limestone
Basalt
Gneiss
Obsidian
Marble
7. Identify Rock Types
You will have a total of six minutes to complete this activity. First you must correctly
identify the rock’s characteristics and then you must pick out the class to which the
rock belongs.
Score: ________________________ out of 10 points.
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Name ________________________________________________________ Date _____________ Period _____________
How Rocks Change
1. What is the Rock Cycle?
2. Heat and pressure turn ______________________________________ rock into
______________________________________ rock.
3. At what temperature does rock melt?
4. What is melted/molten rock called?
5. During melting, ______________________________________ rock turns into
______________________________________.
6. What is the difference between extrusive igneous rock and intrusive igneous rock?
7. What is sediment?
8. How is sedimentary rock formed?
9. Before you begin the “Transform the Rock” activity, what are the five main ways
that rocks are transformed?
10. Transform the Rock
You’ve learned about five processes that affect rocks over time. Now it is time to
apply your knowledge to real rocks.
Score: ________________________ out of 18 points.
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Name ________________________________________________________ Date _____________ Period _____________
The Rock Cycle Diagram
1. Who was James Hutton?
2. What is the main idea of modern geology?
3. Complete the diagram below. The more information you write down, the more it
will help you complete the cycle in the next activity.
4. The Rock Cycle Diagram Activity
See if you can put your knowledge of rock types and geologic processes together to
map out the rock cycle.
Score: ________________________ out of 10 points.
Test Your Skills
Score: ________________________ out of 15 points. You must get at least 80%. If you score
below 80%, review the material and retake the test.
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