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Rock Cycle and Rocks Lab Lesson PlanRock Cycle and Rocks Lab Lesson Plan
Publisher
University of New Orleans
Resource Details
Curator Rating
Educator Rating
Not yet Rated
Grade
7th - 12th
Subjects
Science
2 more...
Resource Types
Handouts & References
5 more...
Audience
For Teacher Use
Duration
1 hr
Instructional Strategies
Experiment
1 more...
Technology
Scientific Equipment
Lesson Plan

Rock Cycle and Rocks Lab

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Science rocks! Explore three types of rocks and the rock cycle with an igneous rocks experiment. Pupils discuss textures, composition, and learn how melts are formed from the Earth's crust. They weigh materials using a scientific scale and collect data they later analyze upon conclusion of the activity.

238 Views 232 Downloads

Concepts

igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, metamorphic rocks, mineral properties, density, rock properties, rock formation, the rock cycle

Additional Tags

science

Instructional Ideas

  • Allow individuals to provide rocks or rock crystals for show and tell as part of the learning experience
  • Have class members research how rocks and rock crystals are used to create jewelry

Classroom Considerations

  • Prior knowledge of scale operation is helpful; if students have not used a scale before, take time prior to the activity to demonstrate proper use

Pros

  • Provides a detailed breakdown of each rock type and numerous examples
  • Includes visual aids to enhance understanding

Cons

  • Does not provide assessment questions or additional activities
  • Does not include answers to the worksheet

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Lesson Plan

What are Igneous Rocks and How are They Formed?

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Lesson Plan

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Scholars review prior knowledge before completing a hands-on simulation of the rock cycle. They write stories or songs summarizing their simulations to demonstrate mastery.
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Activity

Crystal Shapes

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Of quartz I love geology! The chapter offers five activities at three different levels. It features hands-on activities that cover crystal shapes, cleavage and fracture, hardness scale, specific gravity, and mineral...
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Lesson Plan

Metamorphic Rocks

Virginia Department of Education
Rocks can bend? Pupils investigate how heat and pressure produce metamorphic rocks by modeling them using clay, and then categorize samples based on observable characteristics. The lesson ends with a metamorphic rock identification...
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Unit Plan

Rocks & Minerals

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Take young geologists on an exploration of the rock cycle with this six-lesson earth science unit on rocks and minerals. Through a series of discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on investigations your class will learn...
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Lesson Plan

The Water Cycle

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Your class sets up a mini water cycle model to examine the process. Then they watch an animation, following a water molecule through the cycle. A well-developed lab sheet guides learners through the lesson and a PowerPoint presentation...
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Exploring Rocks and Minerals

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Investigate the properties of rocks and minerals through a rockin' hands-on activity. Learners test rocks for various properties and, using a guide, attempt to identify different samples. They use various properties including hardness,...
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Study Jams! Igneous Rocks

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Dynamic music pumps up viewers as they learn about intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks. Presentation slides include a graphic depiction of magma below Earth's surface , photographs of lava exploding and flowing, and close-ups of...
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Study Jams! Sedimentary Rocks

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Fascinating photos of sedimentary rocks and formations supply a brief overview for your geology class. By viewing these slides, learners discover that sedimentary rocks are made of tiny bits of rock, dirt, or shell that have settled,...
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Interactive

Rocks: Anatomy of Granite

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Get earth science students excited about the formation of rocks with an engaging interactive resource. Learners analyze the composition of granite, then study the various processes that work together to make igneous, sedimentary, and...
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