Name: ______________________________
Date: _________________ Period: ______
Rock Cycle Simulation Lab
Goal: To simulate the rock cycle using
crayons to represent rocks.
Materials:
 Crayons
 Coin
 Aluminum Foil Square
 Paper Towels
Part I - Making Sedimentary Rock
Erosion
1. In nature, rocks are broken down by the forces of nature. In this simulation
the crayons represent rocks, the coin represents erosion (wind, sun, ice, rain) that cause rocks
to break down into smaller pieces.
2. Erode your rock. In other words, use a coin to shave your crayons into small pieces.
Collect the shavings on a paper towel. Be as neat as you can!!
3. Answer these questions about your eroded rocks:
a. What do the different colored crayons represent?
b. Are the fragments all the same size or shape? Describe.
c. Is this true of rock fragments in nature?
d. What are some of nature’s tools to erode rocks?
Deposition
1. Once rock fragments have been created, they are usually moved by some force of
nature like gravity and dropped in a new location (DEPOSITION). You will now act as a
depositional force.
2. In your square of aluminum foil, each lab partner, in turn, should pile their rock fragments
in a neat pile in the center of the foil. In other words, you will move and lay down
(DEPOSIT) the rock fragments.
3. Answer the following questions:
a. Describe the shape and size of spaces between your rock (crayon) pieces. Are they
large or small and irregular or regular shaped?
b. How does nature move and lay down (DEPOSIT) rock?
Compaction / Cementation
1. This part of the simulation requires you to understand the cementation process. Spaces
between the fragments are reduced in size by pressure (COMPACTION) and filled in with
cementing agents (CEMENTATION). This simulation will not add cementing agents. It will
only simulate compaction. The compaction process occurs as sediment layers are continually
covered by new layers of sediments. The lower layers become compacted by the weight of the
new layers above.
2. Carefully fold the loose layers of crayon shavings inside the aluminum foil. Make sure there is
a tight seal on the foil. You don’t want to loose any of your rock fragments!
3. Put the packet with your rock fragments on the floor and gently step on the packet. This will
compact your crayon shavings. DO NOT stomp!
4. Answer the following questions:
a. Do you see any layers? Are they thin or thick?
b. Describe the compaction. Are they tightly or loosely compacted?
5. Break off and save one small piece of “sedimentary rock.” You will need this later.
Part II- Making Metamorphic Rock
Heat and Pressure
1. As the pressure deep within the earth increases, temperatures increase as well. A
temperature change is probably occurring in this activity. Metamorphic rock may become
contorted in appearance and actually flow like a plastic material--in response to the HEAT
and PRESSURE that is caused by the over-riding rock.
2. Rewrap the loosely compacted, sedimentary rock-type crayons shavings in the aluminum
foil.
3. Bring your folded packet to the front of the classroom for Ms. McIntosh to apply HEAT
and PRESSURE to your sedimentary rock.
4. Answer the following questions:
a. Do you see any layers? Are they thin or thick?
b. Describe the compaction. Are they tightly or loosely compacted?
5. Save one small piece of “metamorphic rock.” You will need this later.
Part III - Making Igneous Rock
Melting and Cooling of Rock
1. Igneous rocks form deep within the earth. They originate in magma chambers embedded in
solid rock.
2. Take your remaining crayon shavings or pieces of “sedimentary” and “metamorphic” rock
to Ms. McIntosh at the front of the classroom.
3. Ms. McIntosh will then demonstrate the melting and cooling process that forms igneous
rock.
4. Answer the following questions:
a. Describe what the melted “rock” (magma) looked like.
b. Describe the cooling process and the final appearance of the “igneous” rock.
Part IV – Conclusions
1. Look at all three “rock” samples. Use your simulated “rocks” to help you describe the
following rock types. You may also give real world examples if you know any.
SEDIMENTARY:
How are these rocks formed? What do they look like?
METAMORPHIC:
How are these rocks formed? What do they look like?
IGNEOUS:
How are these rocks formed? What do they look like?