METEORITE HUNTERS This is Dr Claudia Alexander – NASA Planetary Scientist

INTRODUCTION In this activity you are going to: Learn about the different types of Earth rocks Learn that classification is a way of grouping objects together by their properties Use a classification chart and scientific testing to identify the rocks in your rock box Branding

EARTH ROCKS IGNEOUS SEDIMENTARY METAMORPHIC Can you name the three types of Earth rocks? IGNEOUS SEDIMENTARY METAMORPHIC

ROCK CYCLE Igneous rock (extrusive) Sedimentary rock Igneous rock Rain and wind weathers rocks over time Sediment gets washed into oceans Over time, sediment sinks to the bottom, building up new rock in layers Some escapes as a volcano eruption then cools Igneous rock (extrusive) Sedimentary rock Some cools inside the Earth Igneous rock (intrusive) Sedimentary rock gets forced deeper into the Earth where heat and pressure changes it Melted hot rock starts to rise Metamorphic rock Branding

SEDIMENTARY Often have small gaps: POROUS (will absorb water) Rounded grains ‘cemented’ together

SEDIMENTARY In very large samples you can often see layers, or even the fossils of animals and plants that got buried by the sediment!

IGNEOUS If the magma cools quickly, small crystals form in the rock. This can happen if the magma erupts from a volcano. Obsidian and basalt are examples of this type of rock. If the magma cools slowly, large crystals form in the rock. This can happen if the magma cools deep underground. Basalt Obsidian Extrusive Igneous – no/very small crystals Intrusive – larger interlocking crystals Branding

METAMORPHIC When a metamorphic rock is formed under pressure, its crystals become arranged in layers. Slate, which is formed from shale, is like this. If the rock has not been squashed into layers, metamorphic rocks have medium sized, interlocking crystals often arranged in slight swirls These can be easily confused with some igneous rocks – so we often need a bit more information about them! Branding

MINERALS/CRYSTALS Once of the samples in your box is actually a mineral. These are crystals that grow on a base layer of rock. Crystals Rock base layer Branding

SPACE ROCKS Asteroid Meteoroid Meteor Meteorite A large rocky body found between Mars and Jupiter Atmosphere Meteoroid A smaller fragment of an asteroid outside of the Earth’s atmosphere Meteor A meteoroid that is burning up in the atmosphere Meteorite The fragments that make it to the surface of the Earth

METEORITES Meteorites… Are dense Have a fusion crust Are magnetic They are heavy for their size The mini magnet in the magnaprobe will be attracted to it A layer of material that melted as the meteorite came through the atmosphere

YOUR CHALLENGE IGNEOUS SEDIMENTARY METAMORPHIC METEORITE FOSSIL Examine the samples and use the information sheets to help you. Can you identify what TYPE of rock each one is? IGNEOUS SEDIMENTARY METAMORPHIC METEORITE FOSSIL MINERAL

YOUR METEORITES! Campo de Cielo Meteorite Chondrite meteorite IRON METEORITE LOOKS LIKE MELTED METAL PATTERNS FROM COMING THROUGH THE ATMOSPHERE MAGNETIC Chondrite meteorite RUSTY (DUE TO IRON CONTENT) MAGNETIC ON SOME YOU CAN SEE THE FUSION CRUST Branding