THE ROCK CYCLE
Rock Cycle Developing Understanding: ___/8
Introduction:
The Rock Cycle is a never-ending process. Igneous rock forms from the cooling of magma or
lava. Weathering breaks down rock into sediments that are compacted and cemented into
sedimentary rock. Under great heat and pressure inside Earth’s crust, rocks are changed into
metamorphic rock. Through the rock cycle, each type of rock can change into any of the others.
In the following activity, you will observe the transformations that occur as rocks change form.
Materials:
4 crayons & 1 crayon sharpener
Foil squares
Candle/Bunsen Burner, screen, & tongs
Vise & blocks of wood
**ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS BELOW IN YOUR NOTEBOOK IN AN ORGANIZED WAY!**
Part 1.
1. The crayons represent different types of rock.
2. Peel the paper off of 4 crayons. Using the pencil sharpener, carefully shave the crayons.
3. Keep all of the shavings of each color in its own pile.
a. What do the different colored crayon shavings represent?
b. Are the shaved fragments all the same size or shape? Describe & sketch this.
c. Would this be true of rock fragments in nature? Explain.
Part 2.
1. Fold the square of aluminum foil in half to form a rectangle.
2. Place one color of the crayon “rock” fragments in the middle of the aluminum foil.
3. Spread the shavings into a square layer approximately 1 cm thick.
4. Carefully spread another color of “rock” shavings on top of the first layer.
5. Do this with each remaining color so there is a four-layer stack of crayon rock fragments in
the middle of the foil rectangle—sketch this!
a. What part of the rock cycle does the act of layering sediment represent?
b. How does nature breakdown, move, deposit/ layer rock & sediments ?
Part 3.
1. Carefully fold each side of the aluminum foil over the stack of rock fragments, allowing for a
1 cm gap between the edge of the shavings and where the foil folds.
2. Place the foil package between the two blocks.
3. Apply moderate pressure by pressing the blocks together with the vise clamp or standing on
the foil packet on the ground.
4. Remove the foil package from the blocks and carefully open it to observe any changes.
5. Save 1 SMALL piece of this rock type & sketch this stage!
a. After standing on the package, what type of rock have you made?
b. Describe the “rock” that you have made.
Part 4.
1. Break your “rock” into two pieces.
2. Place the two parts back into the foil (stacked on top of each other) and refold the package.
3. Place the package back between the blocks and tightly squeeze the layers together using the
vice or by standing on the foil package again.
4. Remove the foil package from the blocks and carefully open it to observe any changes.
Sketch this stage!
a. Describe what you see—what changes have occurred in your “rocks”?
Part 5.
1. Bring your foil packet up to the front of the room to apply HEAT to your “rocks”. Be sure to
use the tongs at all times when handling your HOT, foil packet.
2. Place the foil packet on the mesh screen over the Bunsen burner using the tongs. Let it sit 13 minutes. Carefully remove with tongs and place in cold water pan. **Hot wax may drip!**
4. Allow the foil to cool and then examine the contents.
5. Save 1 small piece of this type of rock. Sketch this stage!
a. Describe what your “rocks” look like now.
b. What parts of the rock cycle does cooking and then icing the package represent?
Part 6
1. Bring your remaining shaving pieces, and your small, saved pieces up to the front.
Reflection Questions: (Answer in your NOTEBOOK)
1. Summarize how this activity relates to the rock cycle. Label each of the stages
(Parts 1-5) as what part of the Rock Cycle they represent.
2. What are the downfalls/limitations of this simulated rock cycle? (i.e. What is missing?)
3. Explain how a sedimentary rock might become a metamorphic rock.
4. Why do people generally not see the processes being simulated in this activity happening
“for real” within their own lifetimes?
5. What is probably the only type of rock you might have an opportunity to see formed in
your own lifetime. Explain.
6. What is one thing you learned about the rock cycle from this activity & what is 1 question
you still have about the rock cycle?