Metamorphic Rocks
Question of the day: How are metamorphic rocks made?
Answer: Metamorphic rocks were once igneous or sedimentary rock. They igneous and sedimentary go through a transformation when they are subjected to high intense heat/ pressure/ or come in contact with hot mineral- rich fluids. Some cases, it's the combination of all processes.
Learning objectives
Students will understand how metamorphic rocks are formed
Students will be able to identify (to their best capability) metamorphic rocks
students will be able to understand how the formation of metamorphic rocks connect to the rock cycle
Metamorphic lesson/ guide
In class worksheet
After the lesson, I plan to go through this worksheet with the students in class so they can refer this information later on in the school year. Together we will go through the answers to the questions listed. However, I will not provide them with the answers until enough students have participated with attempting to give me the right answer. I will also provide physical examples of each metamorphic rock listed, so they can visually see the rocks texture.
Answer key
True/ false: 1) True 2) True 3) True 4) True 5) True
Classify: 1) non-foliated 2) foliated 3) foliated 4) non-foliated 5) foliated
Common metamorphic rocks:
(Shale/ granite)- gneiss/ slate- building/monuments.
(limestone)-marble- interior decoration
(basalt)- amphibolite/ green schist- pave streets
(sandstone) -quartzite- jewelry
Gneiss
Notice the folded light and dark layers of the rock. This is a perfect example of foliation.
Schist
Schist clearly shows high foliation or layering of its minerals. It also provides us proof that foliated rocks tend to break off at its outer edges.
Marble
As you can see marble is smooth and shows no signs of foliation or layering. It is a very dense and solid rock.