The rock cycle is a group of processes that continually recycles rocks. These processes occur over millions of years, but not all the processes happen at the same rate. There are three main types of rocks that appear during the cycle sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. In this activity, students will create a rock cycle diagram. To stretch more advanced students, encourage them to explain each process in short detail either by adding a description to the storyboard or an additional textable. Alternatively, support students who need more help by giving them a list of processes and having them label a scene.
| Process | Description |
|---|---|
| Sedimentation | The process where layers of rock particles build up |
| Compaction and Cementation | The process where the layers of sediment are compressed and stuck together |
| Heat and Pressure | The process that can change sedimentary rock into metamorphic rock |
| Melting | The process which can form igneous rock, where solid rocks are turned to molten rock |
| Uplift | The process where rocks are pushed upwards by the pressure of rocks forming underneath |
| Weathering | The process by which large rocks are broken down into smaller parts |
| Erosion, Transportation, and Deposition | The processes by which rock particles are moved |
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Student Instructions
Create a visual representation of the rock cycle.
The rock cycle is a group of processes that continually recycles rocks. These processes occur over millions of years, but not all the processes happen at the same rate.
The steps in the rock cycle process are: sedimentation, compaction and cementation, heat and pressure, melting, uplifting, weathering, and erosion and deposition.
The three main types of rocks that appear during the cycle: sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic.
Weathering is the process by which rocks are broken down into smaller parts. Erosion, however, is the process by which rocks are moved. The main types of erosion are wind and water.