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Grade Level: 2
Purpose:
This lesson will give your students an introduction to the rock cycle
and help them to understand how a sedimentary rock is formed.
Goals:
Students will discuss the geologic rock cycle and work with their group
to simulate creating a sedimentary rock.
Objectives:
- As a result of this lesson children will be able to draw the steps
of the rock cycle.
- Children will conduct an experiment that will demonstrate the sedimentary
process.
Background:
The rock cycle is similar to the water cycle. During this process, rocks
are continually developing and changing. Sometimes magma which lies below
the earth’s surface can be forced above ground by volcanic activity.
Once above the surface this material is called lava. After the volcanic
eruption, the lava cools. Other magma will remain below the surface and
cool there. As the lava or magma cools, it becomes igneous rock. Uplifting
will eventually bring the underground igneous rock to the surface.
Once on the earth’s surface, these rocks erode due to wind or water.
Pieces of these igneous rocks are deposited in various places by wind
or water. As these pieces settle and mix with other sediments, they begin
to harden and form layers. Pressure from new layers on top of them gradually
turn them into sedimentary rocks.
The third type of rocks, metamorphic rocks, are formed when either igneous
or sedimentary rocks are changed either by heat or pressure. This cycle
is an ongoing part of nature.
Two websites which might help further your understanding of this cycle
are:
Materials/ Preparation:
- Chart paper and marker
- Paper for children to draw their own copy of the rock cycle
- Examples of each type of rock
- 8 oz. clear plastic containers (one for every 4 children)
- Sand (1/4 cup per group)
- Dirt (1/4 cup per group)
- Water
- 1/4 cup measuring cup (1 per group)
- Spoons (one for each group)
OPTIONAL
- Ready Reference chart illustrating the rock cycle - available at teacher
supply stores
- ISM Geology Online – Rock Cycle
Procedure:
- Discuss with students how the rock cycle functions. Comparing it to
other cycles you have already studied in science should help, i.e. water
cycle, food webs, plant cycle, etc.
- On the chart paper draw the cycle explaining it as you draw:
- If you would like to have your students view an animated version of
the rock cycle go to this website: http://www.fi.edu/fellows/fellow1/oct98/create/index.html
- Leaving your chart up for the class to view, hand out paper for each
of the students to draw their own copy of the rock cycle.
- Have samples of each type of rock out for the class to view. Remind
the class of the properties studied in previous lessons and allow ample
time to observe the rocks. If you would prefer on-line viewing you can
return to the website: http://www.fi.edu/fellows/fellow1/oct98/create/index.html.
You can also view them at the ISM website – ISM Geology Online
animated Rock Cycle.
- When pupils seem to grasp the concepts of the rock cycle, prepare
for an experiment on sedimentary rocks. Distribute an 8 oz. Container,
consider a clear container like a pop bottle a measuring cup, and a
spoon to each group. Allow students to fill their containers with 1/4
cup sand and 1/4 cup dirt. Then pour enough water into each container
to cover the soil and sand with two inches of water. After the water
is added, ask students to predict what will happen once you stir all
of the contents of the container.
- Stir or shake vigorously for at least one minute. Then set the containers
down and watch as the sand and dirt settle. Have the students draw what
they observe. Check the containers again in 15 minutes and then again
the next day. Draw the containers again and have students write about
the differences they observed. Place the containers in an area where
they won’t be disturbed and continue to observe throughout the
week.
Extensions:
- Have students act out the rock cycle. You will need cards labeled
igneous rock, sedimentary rock, and metamorphic rock to hang around
the neck of 3 students. Various other students can depict a volcano,
an earthquake, rain, wind, and pressure.
- Watch the video The Magic School Bus Inside the Earth.
Assessment:
Assessment is ongoing as the students progress through the lesson. The
drawing of the rock cycle should show the volcanic activity, erosion and
sedimentation activity, and finally the changing of rocks to the metamorphic
process. The drawings of the sedimentation process from steps 6 &
7 should accurately depict what has happened. Students’ notes and
science journal entries would also indicate their level of understanding.
A student assessment rubric for evaluating cooperative learning can be
found in the PDF download version of this lesson.
It can, and should, be modified to meet the needs of your particular group.
Other samples for creating a rubric can be found at the following Web
sites:
Lesson Specifics:
- Skills - encourages the Applied Learning Skills of communicating and
working on teams
- Optimum class size - 16 to 24 students
- Duration - about 45 to 60 minutes.
Illinois State Board of Education Goals and Standards:
- 12.E.2a: Identify and explain natural cycles of the Earth's
land, water and atmospheric systems (e.g., rock cycle, water cycle,
weather patterns).
- 12.E.2b: Describe and explain short-term and long-term interactions
of the Earth's components (e.g., earthquakes, types of erosion).
Print Resources:
- The Marshall Cavendish Science Project Book of the Earth, Steve
Parker, Marshall Cavendish Corp., 1986, ISBN 0-86307-629-7
- Earth Alive!, Sandra Markle, Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books,
1991, ISBN 0-688-09361-2
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