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Rock Cycle Simulation Lab

Name:______________________________________ Period:________ Date: _________

Goal: To simulate the rock cycle usingcrayons to represent rocks.

Materials:

Crayons

Aluminum Foil Square

Paper Towels

Part I - MakingSedimentary Rock

Erosion1. In nature, rocks are broken down by the forces of nature. In this simulationthe crayons represent rocks, the coin represents erosion (wind, sun, ice, rain) that cause rocks tobreak down into smaller pieces.

2. Watch as the teacher erodes the rock.

3. Answer these questions about your eroded rocks:

a. What do the different colored crayons represent?

b. Are the fragments all the same size or shape? Describe.

c. Would this be true of rock fragments in nature?

d. What are some of natures tools to erode rocks?

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Part II- Making Metamorphic Rock

Heat and Pressure1. As the pressure deep within the earth increases, temperatures increase as well. A temperaturechange is probably occurring in this activity. Metamorphic rock may become contorted in appearanceand actually flow like a plastic material--in response to the HEAT and PRESSURE that is caused bythe over-riding rock.

2. The teacher will rewrap the loosely compacted, sedimentary rock-type crayons shavings in thealuminum foil.

3. The teacher will apply HEAT and PRESSURE to your sedimentary rock.

4. Answer the following questions:

a. Do you see any layers? Are they thin or thick?

b. Describe the compaction. Are they tightly or loosely compacted?

5.Save one small piece of metamorphic rock.

Part III - Making Igneous Rock

Melting and Cooling of Rock1. Igneous rocks form deep within the earth. They originate in magma chambers embedded in solidrock.

2. The teacher will then demonstrate the melting and cooling process that forms igneous rock.

3. Answer the following questions:

a. Describe what the melted rock (magma) looked like.

b. Describe the cooling process and the final appearance of the igneous rock.

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