Rock Cycle Adventure

Brian Allison

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Rock Cycle Adventure

Understand the rock cycle

This lesson introduces students to the rock cycle through an engaging reading and an active learning activity. Understanding the rock cycle is crucial as it helps students grasp fundamental geological processes and the dynamic nature of Earth's surface. This lesson will encourage students to focus and follow directions through interactive and hands-on learning.

Audience

Chatty friends, K-12

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Active Learning

Materials

Printed reading handout, Rock cycle activity materials, and Discussion questions

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief introduction to the rock cycle.
Ask students what they know about rocks and how they think rocks change over time.

Step 2

Reading

5 mins

Distribute the reading handout on the rock cycle.
Have students read the handout silently.
Encourage them to underline or highlight key points.

Step 3

Active Learning Activity

15 mins

Divide students into small groups.
Provide each group with materials to simulate the rock cycle (e.g., crayons, sand, water).
Guide them through creating a model of the rock cycle, demonstrating processes like melting, cooling, and erosion.
Encourage students to discuss and label each stage of their model.

Step 4

Closure

5 mins

Gather students for a group discussion.
Ask each group to share their model and explain the stages of the rock cycle.
Summarize the key points and answer any questions.

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Reading

Rock Cycle Reading

This reading provides a concise overview of the rock cycle, explaining the processes of formation, transformation, and recycling of rocks.

The Rock Cycle

The rock cycle is a continuous process by which rocks are created, transformed, and recycled over time. It involves three main types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

Igneous Rocks: Formed from cooled and solidified magma or lava.
Sedimentary Rocks: Created from the accumulation and compaction of mineral and organic particles.
Metamorphic Rocks: Produced when existing rocks are subjected to heat and pressure, causing physical and chemical changes.

These rocks can change from one type to another through various geological processes such as melting, cooling, erosion, and compaction.

Discussion

Rock Cycle Discussion

This discussion will help students articulate their understanding of the rock cycle and its stages.

What are the three main types of rocks in the rock cycle?

Encourage students to recall the types: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

How does an igneous rock become a sedimentary rock?

Guide students to think about processes like weathering, erosion, and compaction.

Why is the rock cycle important for understanding Earth's surface?

Discuss how the rock cycle explains the dynamic nature of Earth's crust and the formation of various landforms.