Did you know there are 20 volcanoes erupting at any given time? Pupils look at various igneous rocks, read local geologic maps, and determine if their area has a history of volcanic activity. A reading passage and analysis questions...

Apply the principles of geology to a series of collaborative, hands-on class activities. Young earth scientists learn more about igneous, metamorphic, and sedentary rocks before classifying and weathering rocks that they find....

Math rocks! Cavern design teams determine the rankings of rock types based upon desirability points. The points are connected to the properties of the rocks and their usefulness in building a cavern. 

Time is growing short. Teams work together to identify physical properties of rocks in order to determine the properties that would best suit their cavern shelter design.

Why do rocks break down over time? Learners explore this concept by simulating physical and chemical weathering of different types of rocks. They use an abrasive to demonstrate physical weathering and acid to demonstrate chemical...

Modeling dough and paper cutouts in science class? Learn about how relative age dating concepts, like the Law of Superposition and cross-cutting relationships, can be used to describe the formation of sedimentary layers.

How well do pupils play the role of geologist? Test their abilities in the first installment of a two-part series. Presented with a series of rock formation diagrams, learners write stories to match what they see in the diagrams. The...

This resource provides a description of igneous rock, its origin and the types of rock that are formed from a volcanic eruption.

[Free Registration/Login Required] An interactive animation demonstrating how the mineral crystal in an igneous rock formed due to the cooling magma. Site also includes a short quiz on the formation of the crystal.

A good resource if you want a quick overview of the formation process for igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock.

Students use chocolate in this activity to model sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks, mimicking what happens during transformations in the rock cycle.

[Free Registration/Login Required] Students read about three different types of rocks: sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in classifying and categorizing.

[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rock. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.

Did you know the rock cycle is a continuous cycle that takes hundreds of millions of years? This webpage explains how sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks are formed. It also gives examples of each type of rock. Also includes a...

This lesson takes you through the basic introduction of rocks. It includes information about the rock cycle and the three types of rocks: igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary.

This is an in-depth activity where students create a rock layer formation using different colors of playdough and investigate the types of folds and rock formations that might occur. They take core samples through anticlines and...

Students test rocks to identify their physical properties (such as luster, hardness, color, etc.) and classify them as igneous, metamorphic or sedimentary. They complete a worksheet table to record all of the rock properties, and then...

[Free Registration/Login Required] This PDF passage "If Rocks Could Talk!: Obsidian" from the American Museum of Natural History features an interview with an igneous rock named Obsidian. It is part of a paired text with "If Rocks Could...

Students reinforce their understanding of rocks, the rock cycle, and geotechnical engineering by playing a trivia game. They work in groups to prepare Jeopardy-type trivia questions (answers) and compete against each other to demonstrate...

Use crayons to model the rock cycle in this fun activity! You will make colorful sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous "rocks" from crayon shavings.

Did you know that there are some rocks that actually float? Follow this interactive investigation to find out which ones and why.

[Free Registration/Login Required] Test your knowledge of the rock cycle by labeling an interactive diagram and with a short quiz.

If you want to plant a class garden, this is a great resource for combining geometry, Native American studies, and rocks.