The Rock Cycle!!!

Dear Parents and Students,

We have just begun our study of the rock cycle. We have learned about three different types of rocks:

1. Sedimentary
2. Metamorphic
3. Igneous

We have also been learning about the processes that take place to transform one kind of rock into another kind.

1. Cooling
2. Melting
3. Heat and Pressure
4. Weathering and erosion
5. Compacting and Cementing

The students are also aware of the importance of sediments and magma in the rock cycle. As well as, the fact that the rock cycle works in many different directions.

Here are some Internet sites that the students can use to reinforce the information they learned in class.

At the interactive rock cycle site, students can view a chart containing all of the rock cycle parts that we have learned about. The chart also shows examples of the different rock types and short visuals showing the processes in an easy to understand way. After the student is comfortable with the chart they can fill in the chart themselves by answering a few questions.

After completing the previous activities the students can test their knowledge by answering a short 15 question quiz. The quiz shows questions along with visual representations of the questions. The students can use the pictures as clues if they are not sure of the answer, allowing them to learn something new. After completing the quiz students will be shown the correct answers and will be given a grade. There is an option to print out the grade sheet, but this activity is just to reinforce learning and will not be graded by me.

Students, have you ever wanted to make your own rocks? Now you can. The link will take you to a site with three recipes. The recipes will allow you to make examples of an igneous rock, a metamorphic rock, and a sedimentary rock with common household materials. Students please ask your parents to help you make the rocks if you choose to do so.

Enjoy the activities that I have provided. They are valuable learning tools that are also fun for students.

Miss Turner