Rock and Roll: Rock Cycle POGIL
Through this activity you will build consensus with your team about the rock cycle and the way that rocks can change
between the different types: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic.
READ THIS! The Rock Cycle is a group of changes. Igneous rock can change into sedimentary rock or into metamorphic
rock. Sedimentary rock can change into metamorphic rock or into igneous rock. Metamorphic rock can change into
igneous or sedimentary rock. The model below displays these processes as a cycle, remember, that any rock type can
become any other rock type.
Model 1
What process must happen for magma or
lava to become an igneous rock?
How does a metamorphic rock, which is
formed deep in the Earth’s crust, make it up
to the surface?
What is the first step in forming a
sedimentary rock (remember, any of the
three types of rocks can become
sedimentary rocks)?
4. As a team write an example of Weathering and Erosion as it happens on the Earth? Use complete sentences.
5. What processes form metamorphic rocks? Where do these rocks form?
The rock cycle is often described as a dynamic process. What about the model supports this description of the rock cycle?
Use complete sentences.
Model 2
Description
The rock cycle is not just theoretical; we can see all of these processes occurring at many different locations and
at many different scales all over the world. As an example, the Cascade Range in North America illustrates many
aspects of the rock cycle within a relatively small area, as shown in the model above.
The Cascade Range in the northwestern United States is located near a convergent plate boundary, where the
Juan de Fuca plate is being subducted, or pulled underneath, the North American plate. As the plate descends
deeper into the earth, heat and pressure increase. Some of that magma, from the melting rock, erupts out of
volcanoes like Mt. St. Helens and some cools beneath the surface.
Storms coming off of the Pacific Ocean cause heavy rainfall in the Cascades. Small streams lead to large rivers
like the Columbia and eventually to the Pacific Ocean, where the sediments are deposited.
Each “area” is circled with a dotted line and labelled with the appropriate number!
What processes of the rock cycle are happening in area 1? And provide the evidence for your decision.
Process(es):
Evidence:
What processes of the rock cycle are happening in area 2? And provide the evidence for your decision.
Process(es):
Evidence:
What processes of the rock cycle are happening in area 3? And provide the evidence for your decision.
Process(es):
Evidence:
What processes of the rock cycle are happening in area 4? And provide the evidence for your decision.
Process(es):
Evidence:
Application and Critical Thinking
Complete the simplified rock cycle example by labelling the arrows and color them according to your chosen
color-code:
Why is weathering important in the rock cycle? Use complete sentences.
Describe two situations where the rock cycle impacts the existence of the human species.