Rocks can be classified as sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. Each type of rock is a different part of the rock cycle, and is formed in different ways. In this activity, students will create a chart that illustrates the different types of rocks. In addition to providing examples, encourage students to write a description of the rock and how it is formed. As an extended activity, have students examine the differences between intrusive and extrusive rocks.
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Student Instructions
Create a chart with examples of the different rock types.
Bring learning to life by organizing a hands-on rock hunt. Students get outside, observe real rocks, and connect classroom concepts to the real world.
Scout your schoolyard, garden, or nearby park for a spot where students can safely explore. Check for hazards and ensure supervision to keep the activity fun and secure.
Gather magnifying glasses, clipboards, and simple ID charts for students to examine and record their finds. Printable guides with photos help students match rocks to types discussed in class.
Demonstrate looking for color, texture, and patterns on sample rocks. Show students how to write short notes or sketch their observations in a science notebook.
Invite students to group rocks by type (sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic) using their charts. Encourage sharing discoveries and connecting samples to classroom examples.
The three main types of rocks are sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. Sedimentary rocks form from particles settling and hardening, igneous rocks form from cooled magma or lava, and metamorphic rocks form when existing rocks are changed by heat and pressure.
Common examples include sandstone, limestone, and shale for sedimentary rocks; granite, basalt, and pumice for igneous rocks; and marble, slate, and gneiss for metamorphic rocks.
Students can make a chart with columns for rock type, examples, description, how each is formed, and images. This helps visually compare and understand the differences between sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.
Intrusive igneous rocks form from magma cooling slowly underground, resulting in larger crystals (like granite). Extrusive igneous rocks cool quickly on the surface from lava, creating smaller crystals (like basalt).
The rock cycle shows how rocks change from one type to another: sedimentary to metamorphic, metamorphic to igneous, and igneous to sedimentary, through processes like heat, pressure, melting, cooling, and erosion.