Does That Rock Have a Future?

Does That Rock Have A Future?

Purpose: In this Web Inquiry, students research the rock cycle and diagram the processes involved therein. Focus Question: Does that rock have a future? Estimated Time to Complete: One class period

Students need a general understanding of minerals and their properties.

Objectives  Explain the basic processes occurring in the rock cycle  Draw a diagram of the rock cycle READ Be thorough, don’t just “skim”

Review introductory material about rocks.

RESEARCH Explore the designated web sites to learn about the different processes involved in the rock cycle.

All the information is there somewhere!

RESPOND Complete the Respond sheet by drawing the rock cycle and describing the different processes involved. For homework, address the Focus Question by writing a story that chronicles the life of a rock as it progresses through the rock cycle.

Follow the instructions and fill out the response sheet completely

WEBSITE: SASINSCHOOLS.COM SUBSCRIBER LOG IN: cedarridge QUICK LAUNCH # 71

Name: Class: Date: Does That Rock Have A Future?

Types of Rocks

1. Fill in Table 1, comparing the three main types of rocks.

Table 1: Rock Types

Type of Rock Igneous Sedimentary Metamorphic

How is this rock formed?

1. List three 2. examples.

2. How does the formation of extrusive igneous rock differ from that of intrusive igneous rock?

3. Compare and contrast the compositions of the three different kinds of sedimentary rocks.

4. What are the characteristics of foliated and non-foliated metamorphic rocks? The Rock Cycle

5. Rocks can change from one type to another in a variety of ways. The three main types of rocks are listed below. Draw lines connecting the boxes and write a brief description, along each line, describing how one type of rock changes into another type of rock. Include all possible mechanisms for one rock type to change to another type.

6. The rock cycle is not circular and it does not always follow a set pattern. Explain why there are so many possible paths in the rock cycle.

Conclusion (Homework) – Complete on separate paper

Does that rock have a future? To address this Focus Question, imagine that you are a small sedimentary rock sitting on a beach. A bad storm has moved in and you are washed into the ocean. What will happen to you over the next billion years? Explain what would happen to you as you move through the entire rock cycle. Write your answer on the back of the Respond sheet.