Rocks (Kelsee Richmond)

Title: Rock Formation!!

Principle(s) Investigated:

The Rock Cycle

Sedimentary, Metamorphic, Igneous

Pressure

Heat

Plate Boundaries

Plate Tectonics

Weathering

Erosion

Convection Currents

Standards :

Materials:

Crayons (4 different colors)-Target

Manual Sharpener-Target

Foil (cut into squares: 3 per person)- Target

Popsicle Stick-Target

Mug- Target

Boiling Water

Procedure:

1) Unwrap and sharpen the crayons (collect shavings into color piles)

2) Sedimentary: Layer colors shavings on foil, fold foil in half over the crayon shavings, compress (apply pressure), unfold foil and carefully remove the sample sedimentary rock from the foil.

3) Metamorphic: Pile color shavings in the center of a foil square, fold the foil into a boat shape, place into hot water for 15-20 seconds and remove from heat, fold foil in half, compress, unfold foil, let cool, and carefully remove the sample from the foil square as it will be brittle.

4)Igneous: Pile color shavings in the center of a foil square, fold the foil into a boat shape, place into hot water and melt for about 1 minute (until ALL shavings are melted), stir melted colors with a popsicle stick, let cool, and remove from foil.

Student prior knowledge:

The students need to know that the earth is comprised of rock. Otherwise this activity would operate best as an initiation activity to a rock unit which would touch on the varying principles.

Explanation:

Through this experiment the students will learn the 3 types of rock as well as be provided with a visual representation as to what they look like as well as how they are formed. Students will understand how the right conditions affect rocks and assists in the transformation from one to another. Sedimentary rock is formed by intense pressure. Sedimentary rocks have visible layers and fossils can be easily seen within them. Metamorphic rock is formed by alteration of preexisting rock from events such as weathering. Metamorphic Rocks have distinct bands and crystals within them. Igneous rock is formed by exposed magma which cools thus forming an Igneous rock.

Questions & Answers: Give three thought-provoking questions and provide detailed answers.

1) When might metamorphic rocks form?

Perhaps during a volcanic eruption.

2) How does the ocean play a a role in the rock cycle?

The oceans currents hit and rush along the various rocks which will weather and erode the rocks. This weathering will erode and break down the rocks, move it along the beach and throughout the oceans, rivers, and lakes, where rock formation will begin again.

3) In what circumstance would slate become gneiss?

Slate is a metamorphic rock and gneiss is an igneous rock. Therefore when slate is heated to melting point and completely melts then cools and and intense pressure is added an Igneous rock is formed; in this case gneiss.

Applications to Everyday Life: Explain (don't just list) three instances where this principle can be used to explain other phenomenon.

Volcanoes: Igneous rocks: When the volcano erupts the molten lava cools and becomes solid. Think of Hawaii.

Beach: The waves hit the sides of the rocks, erode and break them down, allowing for new rock formation. The weathering and erosion caused by running water is a critical part of the rock cycle.

Pyramids: The Egyptian pyramids are constructed out of stone. Specifically limestone. Once upon a time the limestone had a polish on the surface of the limestone blocks which made them gleam in the sunlight.

Photographs:

Videos:

http://www.geologykitchen.com/ep03.html Sedimentary Rocks

http://www.geologykitchen.com/ep11.html Igneous Rocks

Reference:

http://mommaowlslab.blogspot.com/2012/01/science-thursday-crayon-rocks.html