Tracy Colyer Kennesaw University A study of the rock cycle

Table of Contents Third Rock from the Sun Rocks Remember Layers of the Earth Types of Rocks The Rock Cycle –Brain Pop website –Rock Cycle diagram How Rocks are Formed –Sedimentary Rocks –Metamorphic Rocks –Igneous Rocks Physical Attributes of Rocks - Hardness- scratch test - Mohl’s Hardness Scale Classifying Rocks S3E1. Students will investigate the physical attributes of rocks and minerals.

Third Rock From the Sun The planet Earth is just one big interesting rock! Did you know that… seventy-one percent of the earth’s surface is covered by water!

Rocks remember! Geology is the science and study of the earth as recorded in rocks. Rocks keep a record of the passage of time. Fossils teach us about our past.

Layers of the Earth Solid Core –The Earth has an inner core that may be 13,000°F! Mantle –Melted rock (magma) Crust –71% of the earth’s surface is covered with water.

Types of Rocks SedimentaryMetamorphicIgneous Rocks are made of different types of minerals. There are three types of rocks: sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous.

The Rock Cycle Rocks are ever changing. Click on the link below to see how rocks change from one kind to another. Brain Pop Video

Sedimentary Rocks Metamorphic Rocks Igneous Rocks The Rock Cycle

Sedimentary Rocks These layers are pressed down more and more through time, until the bottom layers slowly turn into rock. Over many years, little pieces of our earth are broken down and worn away by wind and water. These little bits of our earth are washed downstream where they settle to the bottom of the rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Metamorphic Rocks They have been changed by heat and pressure. These rocks are formed by tons and tons of pressure under the earth’s surface. Metamorphic rocks were once sedimentary rocks or igneous rocks.

Igneous Rocks Igneous rocks are nicknamed fire rocks. They begin as magma, melted rock, deep within the earth’s mantle. Igneous rocks are formed when magma cools and becomes solid. When volcanoes erupt, magma rises to the earth’s surface. When magma appears above the Earth, it is called lava.

Physical Attributes of Rocks Size Shape Color Texture Hardness

Hardness fingernail penny knife The scratch test is used to determine the hardness of rocks. Using Mohl’s scale of hardness, we can scratch a rock with common objects to estimate its hardness. Push on the action button to see Mohl’s scale.

Talc Gypsum Calcite Fluorite Apatite Orthoclase Quartz Topaz Corundum Diamond Mohl's Hardness Scale

Classifying rocks There are several questions that geologists use to classify rocks. Is the rock permeable? Does the rock float? Will the rock split? Does it wear well? Would you like to be a Junior Geologist? First, click on this link to practice your skills. Classify Rocks Then, click on the action button to view the table you can complete in the Science Center.

Classifying Rocks Directions: After viewing the slide show, proceed to the classroom Science Center. Use this table to make predictions about our class rocks. Classifying Rocks Directions: After viewing the slide show, proceed to the classroom Science Center. Use this table to make predictions about our class rocks. Is it permeable?Does it float?Does it split?Does it wear well? Type of rock YesNoYesNoYesNoYesNo