The student will explore the 3 types of rocks and how they are made through hands-on activities and the environmental events that create these rocks. They will discover how they are made through hands-on activities and demonstrations.
Student will be able to differentiate the 3 types of rocks - name them and identify some properties of each and how it is formed.
3 - 5
Teacher prepartion: 1 - 2 hours to purchase and prepare materials for students
Student time: 30 - 45 minutes for each rock activity
Teachers need to be familiar with the basic types of rocks, land formations, and examples of each type of the three rocks.
No background knowledge is needed for students because this is an introductory lesson. It will be used as a building block for the rest of the unit.
Definitions:
Be aware of any food allergies when doing these activities and make necessary adjustments.
1st rock - igneous
2nd rock – sedimentary
3rd rock – metamorphic
Other materials for the unit
The only preparations needed for this activity are purchasing and gathering the items and materials, cutting the waxed paper, and knowing the definitions of the 3 types of rocks and how they are formed.
For each type of rock, you will need to adjust the quantity of ingredients to the number of students in your class.
1st Rock – igneous
To show students how igneous rock forms on the earth's surface, melt about 12 ounces of peanut butter or chocolate chips in a pan. Give each student a small piece of waxed paper and spoon a small amount of the “liquid rock” onto each student's waxed paper. Have the students observe the changes as it cools and hardens. When it solidifies, students can eat their igneous rock.
2nd Rock – sedimentary
To show the process of how sedimentary rocks are created, press a prepared tube of sugar cookie dough into the bottom of a greased 9" square pan. Tell the students that this layer represents the Earth. If you want, you can have students help sprinkle several layers of sediment onto the “Earth's surface” (chocolate chips, coconut, chopped nuts, etc.). Then lay a layer of waxed paper on top of the other layers and press them all together. Tell them that although sedimentary rock takes thousands of years to form, we will see our results the next day. Later, remove the waxed paper and cook the sedimentary cookie at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes. The next day, serve each student a piece of sedimentary rock. Discuss how sedimentary layers are formed and let them eat their rocks.
3rd Rock – metamorphic
To show students how this rock is formed, slice pieces of brown and white bread into quarters. Give each student enough waxed paper so they can put the bread in the middle and fold the paper over the top.
Give each student two quarters of one type of bread and one quarter of the other type. Tell them to place their pieces of bread on top of their waxed paper, alternating the types of bread. Then have them use the palm of their hand to gently press the stack flat.
Ask them what type of rock they have just formed. Pressing the layers together without changing the structure or appearance has created sedimentary rock.
Next, distribute the rolling pins and have the students place their sedimentary rocks in the center of their waxed paper. Let each child use the rolling pin to completely flatten their rock. Discuss the change made by using the rolling pin. Using pressure has changed it - giving it a whole new look and making it metamorphic.
Assess each child's participation in the activities and class discussions.
Have students discuss and compare the different types of rock and how to identify them.
1st rock – igneous
2nd rock – sedimentary
3rd rock - metamorphic
Adjust the lesson for food allergies.
