Assignment: Rock
Name:
Go to the websites:
Interactives Rock Cycle
Interactive Rock Cycle Animation
These interactive Web sites will help you to review the types of rocks and the processes that
occur within the Rock Cycle. To begin, click on the link entitled: “Begin with Types of Rocks.”
The tutorial will review the three rock families and provide you with a list of key characteristics
that can be used to place samples within the three rock families.
Go through all sections and complete the questions below. (Note: The questions are not in a set
order. Like all things in the rock cycle, they come back on each other. You should go through
the material several times to make certain you’ve answered everything!)

What is the difference between magma and lava?

How do sedimentary rocks form?

How do metamorphic rocks form?

How do igneous rocks form?

What are the characteristics of:
o sedimentary rocks?
o metamorphic rocks?
o igneous rocks?

List some examples of sedimentary rocks

List some examples of metamorphic rocks

List some examples of igneous rocks

Describe how temperature and pressure within the earth turn solid rocks into molten rock.

Explain why the grain size of igneous rocks is determined by the environment in which
they are formed.

Compare these two clastic rocks: sandstone and conglomerates. Explain how each was
formed.
Why is the rock formation process referred to as a cycle?


Give examples of the Earth's forces that are responsible for changing one type of rock
into another type of rock.

What is a practical/real world use of understanding the rock cycle? Be sure to explain
your answer!
Take the Test Your Skills at the end and give your score (note: your grade is not dependent on
your score, the idea is that you took the test … and that in taking the test you now know that
things you should got back and study BEFORE taking your final test in this unit.)