Rock Cycle Project
*Please note: This counts as a test grade
6th Grade Earth Science Standards
S6E5. Students will investigate the scientific view of how the earth’s surface is formed.
b. Investigate the contribution of minerals to rock composition.
c. Classify rocks by their process of formation.
d. Describe processes that change rocks and the surface of the earth.
Check List:
Step 1: Decide to work with: (check one)
Partner’s Name _____________________
Yourself or
Assigned partner
Student signature:___________________________
 Step 2: Think about the rock cycle and all the different steps and processes that are involved.
You may use your textbook, and your interactive notebook to help you with this project. Keep in
mind that all your work must be in your own words. For each type of rock you will need to
write a good paragraph (6-7 sentences) describing what is happening during each stage. Keep in
mind how Geologist classify each type of rock and include this information in your paragraph.
*Hints= You should have three paragraphs for step two.
 Step 3: Think about the rock cycle as a whole. Explain the “Rock Cycle” and how the process
affects the earth and changes the earth’s surface. Write a good paragraph (6-7 sentences)
describing the process.
 Step 4: Label your paper and poster with your title, “The Rock Cycle”, your name, and period.
 Step 5: Draw the “rock cycle” on your poster provided. Keep in mind the size of the paper and
keep it in portion, leaving room for you paragraphs to be attached. Remember to label all the
parts of the rock cycle including the rock types, processes and materials. Then attach your
paragraphs to the appropriate sections.
 Step 6: *Partners only. Write a paragraph on a separate sheet of paper regarding how well
you and your partner worked together. Also, describe who did what section and how you decided
to divide the work.
 Step 7: Review the grading rubric on the back. Using your pencil to make small check marks
of how you would grade yourself.
 Step 8: Turn your project in.
Rock Cycle Project Grading Rubric
Awesome! (4) Good Job! (3)
Needs
Improvement
(2)
Did Not
Meet
Standard
(1)
Student demonstrates a
clear and accurate
understanding of the
formation and
identification of the
Igneous rock process.
Student demonstrates a Student demonstrates a fair
passably accurate
understanding of the formation
understanding of the
and identification of the Igneous
formation and
rock process, but needs
identification of the
improvement.
Igneous rock process.
Student does not
demonstrate an
understanding of the
formation and
identification of the
Igneous rock
process.
Sedimentary Rock
Summary
Student demonstrates a
clear and accurate
understanding of the
formation and
identification of the
Sedimentary rock
process.
Student demonstrates a Student demonstrates a fair
passably accurate
understanding of the formation
understanding of the
and identification of the
formation and
Sedimentary rock process, but
identification of the
needs improvement.
Sedimentary rock
process.
Student does not
demonstrate an
understanding of the
formation and
identification of the
Sedimentary rock
process.
Metamorphic Rock
Summary
Student demonstrates a
clear and accurate
understanding of the
formation and
identification of the
Metamorphic rock
process.
Student demonstrates a Student demonstrates a fair
passably accurate
understanding of the formation
understanding of the
and identification of the
formation and
Metamorphic rock process, but
identification of the
needs improvement.
Metamorphic rock
process.
Student does not
demonstrate an
understanding of the
formation and
identification of the
Metamorphic rock
process.
Student demonstrates a
clear and accurate
understanding of the
stages of the Rock Cycle.
Student demonstrates a
good understanding of
the stages of the Rock
Cycle.
Igneous Rock Summary
Rock Cycle Summary
Diagram / Labels
Student demonstrates some
understanding of the stages of
the Rock Cycle but needs
improvement.
Student does not
demonstrate a
measureable
understanding of the
stages of the Rock
Cycle.
Diagram included
Diagram was neat,
Diagram was not complete and Parts of the diagram
awesome details, was colored and included all
it was missing 1-2 labels.
and several of the
colored and included all
labels.
labels were missing.
labels.
Penmanship is neat and
very legible.
Penmanship
Capital Letters and
Punctuation
Work Ethic
Penmanship is neat at
Penmanship is somewhat
Penmanship needs
times but student may legible but students was rushing.
improvement.
have rushed a section.
Penmanship needs
Teacher was unable
improvement.
to read more than
one section.
Writer makes no errors in Writer makes 1 or 2
Writer makes a few errors in
Writer makes several
capitalization or
errors in capitalization capitalization and/or
errors in
punctuation, so the paper or punctuation, but the punctuation that catch the
capitalization and/or
is exceptionally easy to
paper is still easy to
reader's attention and interrupt punctuation that
read.
read.
the flow.
catch the reader's
attention and greatly
interrupt the flow.
Student worked very hard Student worked hard to Student was off task some
to complete the project
complete the project
during the project. Student’s
the time provided.
the time provided, but work ethic needs improvement.
was redirected to stay
on task at less 1 time.
Partner Assessment: ___________
Student was off task
for most of the
assignment and work
ethic needs to
improve greatly.
Grade: __________%
Student comments:______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Teacher comments: ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Parent Signature:_________________________________
Rock Cycle Writing: Thinking Notes
Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic Rock
 Define which rock you are talking about.
How is it classified? (think about the different ways they are classified)
Remember to talk about how minerals contribute to the rocks
composition.
Where is it formed? (location, location)
How is it formed? (heat and pressure/erosion and deposition)
How does it relate to the other types of rocks in the rock cycle? (can
one type turn into another type)
Rock Cycle Summary
Describe how is works. Does it always go in a complete circle?
Remember to name the types of rock involved.
Why is it called a cycle?
Use your textbook and interactive notebook to help
you. Good luck!! You got this!