Activity Overview
The rock cycle is a group of processes that continually recycles rocks. These processes occur over millions of years, but not all the processes happen at the same rate. There are three main types of rocks that appear during the cycle sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. In this activity, students will create a rock cycle diagram. To stretch more advanced students, encourage them to explain each process in short detail either by adding a description to the storyboard or an additional textable. Alternatively, support students who need more help by giving them a list of processes and having them label a scene.
Rock Cycle Processes
| Process | Description |
|---|---|
| Sedimentation | The process where layers of rock particles build up |
| Compaction and Cementation | The process where the layers of sediment are compressed and stuck together |
| Heat and Pressure | The process that can change sedimentary rock into metamorphic rock |
| Melting | The process which can form igneous rock, where solid rocks are turned to molten rock |
| Uplift | The process where rocks are pushed upwards by the pressure of rocks forming underneath |
| Weathering | The process by which large rocks are broken down into smaller parts |
| Erosion, Transportation, and Deposition | The processes by which rock particles are moved |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a visual representation of the rock cycle.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Use scenes, shapes, arrows, and textables to create a visual representation of the rock cycle.
Lesson Plan Reference
- [SCI-4-ESS1-1] Identify evidence from patterns in rock formations and fossils in rock layers to support an explanation for changes in a landscape over time.
- [SCI-4-ESS2-1] Make observations and/or measurements to provide evidence of the effects of weathering or the rate of erosion by water, ice, wind, or vegetation.
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 50 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arrows and Labels | All the main processes are labeled and have arrows showing the movement of rocks or rock particles. | Most of the main processes are labeled and have arrows showing the movement of rocks or rock particles. | Some of the main process are labeled and have arrows showing the movement of rocks or rock particles. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Frequently Asked Questions about The Rock Cycle
What is the rock cycle?
The rock cycle is a group of processes that continually recycles rocks. These processes occur over millions of years, but not all the processes happen at the same rate.
What are the steps in the rock cycle process?
The steps in the rock cycle process are: sedimentation, compaction and cementation, heat and pressure, melting, uplifting, weathering, and erosion and deposition.
What are the three types of rocks?
The three main types of rocks that appear during the cycle: sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic.
What is the difference between weathering and erosion?
Weathering is the process by which rocks are broken down into smaller parts. Erosion, however, is the process by which rocks are moved. The main types of erosion are wind and water.
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