Important Rock Concepts and Vocabulary
Igneous Rocks- All rocks on Earth were initially igneous in nature. Igneous rocks form as liquid
magma cools, forming crystal structured rocks. There are many different types of igneous rocks.
Metamorphic Rocks- Metamorphic rocks form deep within the Earth when heat and pressure are
applied to either igneous rocks or sedimentary rocks. This heat and pressure in essence cooks the
rocks, changing their structure substantially metamorphic rocks form deep within the Earth when heat
and pressure are applied to either igneous rocks or sedimentary rocks. This heat and pressure in
essence cooks the rocks, changing their structure substantially.
The rocks are partially melted and the chemicals within them are rearranged so that the final rock is
very different than the original rock. The final state of a metamorphic rock depends on the amount of
pressure the rock was subjected to, the amount of heat the rock was subjected to, and the amount of
time the rock was subjected to pressure and heat. One very common metamorphic rock is marble.
Marble is formed when heat and pressure are applied to limestone for many thousands of years.
Sedimentary Rocks- Over the course of millions of years, the igneous rocks are weathered down by
forces of wind and water. Fine particles of dirt begin to cover the landscape. Often, these small rock
particles end up being suspended in water, and find their way to the bottom of lakes, streams, and the
ocean. Slowly, the layer of sediment on the bottom of lakes, and especially on the bottom of the
ocean grows deeper and deeper, reaching depths of thousands of feet. The weight of all the sediment
becomes immense, pushing down on lower layers of sediment with tremendous force. In addition, a
number of minerals, which act like cement, bond the sediment together, causing it to form
sedimentary rock.
Lava & Magma- Molten, or hot liquefied, rock located deep below the Earth's surface is called
magma. Magma is formed when temperatures within Earth's crust or mantle are very hot and when
pressure in places within those layers decreases
Rock Cycle- There are three main types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Each of
these types of rocks are formed in different ways and each type of rock can be changed into each of
the other types of rock. Geologists call this process the Rock Cycle. Essentially the rock cycle is the
process that makes and recycles rocks.
Weathering- Weathering takes place as rocks are broken down into progressively smaller pieces by
the effects of weather. These pieces do not move to a new location, they simply break down, but
remain next to one another.
Erosion- The carrying away of sediments
Lesson Plan Format
Name:
Alex Sargent
Subject: Rocks & the Rock Cycle
Lesson Title: Igneous Rocks
Virginia SOL:
5.7a
Start time:
Grade:
5th
Stop time:
Date:
2/13/15
Objectives (What do you want students to know, do, or feel as a result of your instruction?)
1.
TSW identify what an igneous rock is
2.
TSW identify and understand the characteristics of igneous rocks
3.
Igneous rocks, magma
Critical vocabulary:
Study jam, rock notes
Materials/resources:
Pre-assessment: (How will you know if your students already know what you are teaching?)
Intro (how do you capture their attention and get them interested?):
Study Jams Video on Igneous Rocks
http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/rocks-minerals-landforms/igneous-rocks.htm
Body (what comes after your interesting intro?)
Go through Igneous Rocks power point and take notes on characteristics and examples.
Go over Igneous rocks through an interactive rock cycle.
Look at a sample of an Igneous rock and identify its Igneous characteristics
Closure (purposeful summary-help them remember today or anticipate tomorrow):
Homework:
Assessment: (How will you assess if they have mastered your objectives? Be specific.)
Quick Assessment Exit Slip: name 2 characteristics of Igneous Rocks and name one example.
Are you differentiating lesson content, process, or product by readiness, interest, or learning profile? Explain below.
For cooperative learning explain how you have insured:
positive interdependenceindividual accountabilitygroup processingsocial skillsface-to-face interaction-