Rocks and the Rock Cycle
Main Topics | Standards | Science Probe | Lessons | Resources
- Main Topics & Concepts
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The properties of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rock.
Identifying the different types of rock. - Standards
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SFUSD Performance Standard 17.1 - Identifying the properties of a variety of minerals and trace the components of a metamorphic rock back to its sedimentary and/or igneous origin; explaining how the related processes
constitute a continuous rock cycle.
- Science Probe Text
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Science Probe II Chapter 12.2 provides an explanation of the different
families of rocks and their structures. Probe I Chapter 11 includes an
activity to help students learn how to recognize two types of
igneous rocks.
Activity Access Description Science Probe I: Activity 11C
Crystals in Ingneous Rocks
Students create crystals in different environments to understand the difference between intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks. Requires safety equipment. - Activities & Lessons
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Activity Access Description Rock Identification Exercise
Students identify common igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks and understand the processes that formed them. Rock and Mineral Bingo
Students review basic vocabulary with rocks and minerals by playing a game of BINGO. Making Sandstone and Conglomerate Nebraska Earth Science Education Network
Students use sediments, gravel glue, and petri dishes to demonstrate the lithification process of sedimentary rocks. Extensions of the activity encourages students to explore how various environmental factors affect sedimentary rock. - Resources
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Resources Access Description Sedimentary Rocks Georgia Perimeter College
Part of a Web-based college course outline on Physical Geology. Contains an outline of content and great images of different types of sedimentary rocks. Includes some exercises that might be adapted for high-school use and links to other resources. Virtual Tour of a Rock Garden Indiana University
A virtual tour in a rock garden. Has examples of the major rock types. Collecting Rocks USGS
Directions for how to start your own rock collection. It includes information such as: the types of rocks, how to start a collection, how to identify rocks, where to find rocks, and the equipment you need.