Rock Cycle

From a certain perspective, Planet Earth is a great big rock hurtling through space. The great big rock (or the huge rock collection) that is Planet Earth is actually quite diverse, meaning that there are a variety of rock types. We normally think about rocks as un-changing (as in the phrase 'solid as a rock'), but in reality, rocks change over time and are interconnected through the rock cycle.

Through this lesson you will . . .

• Identify rock types

• Explain and model the rock cycle

Part 1: Third Stone Challenge

While listening to the Jimi Hendrix song 'Third Stone from the Sun,' Observe the following 'Earth From Space' and 'Earth Cross Section' pictures.

Earth From Space:

Earthrise (taken by Bill Anders on Apollo 8, quote: "We came all this way to explore the Moon, and the most important thing is that we discovered the Earth"):

Earth Cross Section:

Third Stone Challenge Instructions:

1. All students must be touching the Third Stone (an inflatable globe) at all times.

2. Students may only touch the bottom hemisphere with the tip of one outstretched finger.

3. As a group, students must lower the Third Stone and rest it on the ground.

Debrief Questions:

1. Were you able to succeed, if so, how?

2. Were you identified by someone else in the group as "at fault?" If so, how did it feel to be called out like this?

3. When the group was challenged the most, or having its hardest time, how did the group respond?

Part 2: Rock Cycle Notes

Observe pages 1 - 6 of 'Geologic Overview + History of the Olympics'.

While looking through these, in your journal, please write each picture heading and then summarize the picture and caption in your own words.

Optional: Here on p. 1 is a printable table to fill in.

Part 3: Create and Play Rock Cycle Game

Review page 6 of 'Geologic Overview + History of the Olympics'.

Rock Cycle Game Instructions:

1. Set up four stations in the classroom, one with each of the following labels: 'Sediments,' 'Sedimentary,' 'Metamorphic,' and 'Igneous.'

2. Cut out all the cards in the 'Rock Cycle Game' document. At each station, put all the cards that start with the corresponding label.

3. Students start at any station and follow these steps:

• a. pick up a card,

• b. read the card silently,

• c. set the card down where you picked it up,

• d. make a quick note in your journal about the rock type you started at, are going to, and the process that gets you there

• e. act out the scenario on the card while traveling to the station indicated by the card "Go to _____."

• f. Repeat steps a-e at the next station.

If time allows, students create their own cards using the 'Rock Cycle Game' document as a template. If desired, listen to "I Am a Rock" "We Will Rock You (Rock Cycle Version)" and "We Will Rock You" as you travel through.

In your journal, answer the following prompt: Write the story of your journey as a rock in the 'Rock Cycle Game.' Be sure to have at least 5 stops on your journey.

Optional: Here on p. 2 is a printable table to fill in.

Part 4: Rock Types Challenge

Rock Types Challenge I Instructions:

1. As a group, students come up with motions/actions to represent each rock type (igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary, and sediments).

2. One student then becomes the 'rock star,' stands in the middle of the group circle and points to other students while saying one of the rock types.

3. If the person who was pointed at does not make the appropriate motion within 2 seconds, (s)he becomes the 'rock star.'

Rock Types Challenge II Instructions:

1. Two groups of students face-off (two straight lines facing each other) in a friendly showdown of the motions/actions developed in Rock Types Challenge I.

2. A 'rock star' will point to one person from each crew and say one of the four rock types (igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary, and sediments).

Debrief Questions:

1. How did it feel to be put on the spot by the "rock star?"

2. If you became the "rock star," how did that feel?

3. On a scale from 1-4 with 4 being very and 1 being not, how kindly did people communicate in this activity?

4. At what times of the activity did people seem the least kind?

Part 5: Rockity Rock Rock Game

Play the "Rockity Rock Rock" game from Olympic National Park.

Debrief Questions:

1. Describe what an igneous rock is.

2. Describe what a sedimentary rock is.

3. Describe what a metamorphic rock is.

Part 6: Everybody Needs a Rock

The teacher will share a rock collection with the group and identify each type of rock.

In a peaceful outdoor location, close your eyes and listen to the Geology Rock Visualization.

In your journal, please write about how it felt to 'be a rock,' including what you would enjoy about and be challenged by being a rock.

Read "Everybody Needs a Rock" by Byrd Baylor.

1. Following the guidelines of the book and boundaries/guidelines of the teacher, find search the specified surrounding area to find and bring back one rock

2. In your journal, make a labeled diagram of your rock.

3. If possible, identify the rock type (igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary, and sediments) and write this in your journal.

Rock Cycle Extension 1 (*): Rock Cycle Board Game

This may be for students who showed a high level of proficiency on the Geology Pre Quiz, Science Push Program students, or other interested students.

See the Rock Cycle Board Game Assignment, and ask the teacher for samples of past student-created board games.

This can be done individually or in pairs as long as the pair is in the same class and the students work quietly (voice level 1) during class time.

Rock Cycle Extension 2 (*): Rock Children's Book

Based on "Everybody Needs a Rock," write and/or illustrate a short (10+ page) children's book about rocks that includes technical information from this lesson presented in a simple fashion.

Rock Cycle Extension 3 (*): Rock Collection Catalog

Take pictures of the rocks in your rock collection, and make a slideshow following these guidelines.

• Include at least 5 rocks.

• For each rock, have a picture, rock type/name, location where it came from, description of how you got it, and at least one more interesting note.

• Have automatic slide transitions in the slideshow.

• Include a musical background to the slideshow.