Rock Types Webquest
Introduction: You have just been named Junior Geologist for the Natural History Museum. The
Geology Department is planning an expedition to famous rock formations from around the world
to study their geologic history.
Your first job as Junior Geologist is to:

Research Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic rocks to understand how they are
formed and to identify examples of each.
You will then:

Look at rocks and rock formations from around the world to discover
a. how they were formed,
b. the type of rocks they are made from and
c. where they are located.
After all that, you will:

Use various web pages to locate Igneous, Metamorphic, and Sedimentary rock formations
in different countries. In your Social Studies class, you will create a map for the
researchers and geologists to follow and you will turn in a chart of your findings to your
Science teacher. Be sure to document your research on the graphic organizer given to
you in Science class.
Task: You will visit the websites below to learn how Metamorphic, Igneous, and Sedimentary
rocks are made and use the 'Types of Rocks' chart below to show the head geologist (your
Science teacher) what you know.
Rock Hounds
IgneousRock
Metamorphic Rock
Sedimentary Rock
**Make sure you understand why a rock’s composition and texture are so important and what
they are:
 Go to http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/content/investigations/es0610/es0610page01.cfm?chapter_no=06 &
record below what “COMPOSITION” and “TEXTURE” are & why they are important to
know!
Process: Next, you will apply what you've learned to identify how different rock formations
from around the world were created. Visit at least 4 of the sites below to see some amazing
rock formations and to determine how they were made. Use the 'Rock Formations' chart in the
Files section to record your information. (Feel free to pick your own choice for a formation, as
well. Just be sure to check with your Science teacher to see if it is okay to research). Make
sure to keep the locations of your formations in case you use them in Social Studies class!
1. Carlsbad Caverns
2. White Cliffs of Dover
3. The Great Sphinx
4. The Rock of Gibraltar
5. Rainbow Bridge
6. Monument Valley
7. Devil's Postpile
8. Mount Rushmore
9. Stone Mountain
10. Luray Caverns
11. Giant's Causeway
12. Grand Canyon
13. Pamukkale Falls
14. Uluru (Ayer's Rock)