1. The Rock Cycle

2. What is the rock cycle?  Liquid (molten) rock material solidifies at depth or at the earth's surface to form igneous rocks  Exposed rocks at the Earth's surface, brake down into sediments. These sediments come together to form sedimentary rocks.  Changes in temperature, pressure, and/or rock or fluid chemistry can allow igneous and sedimentary rocks to change physically or chemically to form metamorphic rocks.

3. What’s the deal with Rock Safety?  Geologists (scientists who study rocks) actually have safety tips as to how to go about collecting specimens. Click here to learn more about rock safety. And if you are really feeling ambitious…take the quiz that follows!

4. Did You Know…  The earth’s crust is made up of rock  The earth is like a carmel covered apple. The soil is the carmel, the skin of the apple is the crust, the fleshy part of the apple is the mantel, and the core of the apple is the earth's core.

5. Sedimentary Rocks  As soil accumulates over the years, the older soil is pushed farther and farther down.  Eventually, the soil turns into sedimentary rocks by: 1. Compaction 2. Cementation 2. Cementation 3. Recrystallization 3. Recrystallization (of carbonate sediment) (of carbonate sediment) A type of sedimentary rock

6. Igneous Rocks  Sometimes called the Fire Rock!  Deep under the earth there is a layer of melted rock called magma.  With enough pressure, the magma is pushed up through the earth’s crust creating a volcano.  When the pressure in the volcano becomes too great, the magma will erupt from the volcano and lava will begin pouring out of it.  As the lava cools, igneous rocks are formed. Above is a pumice stone, also an igneous rock.

7. Metamorphic Rocks  Metamorphism means "changed form".  Sedimentary and igneous rocks can “morph” to become metamorphic rocks.  Changes occur because of: 1. Heat 1. Heat 2. Pressure 2. Pressure 3. Chemical fluids 3. Chemical fluids This is a metamorphic rock called gneiss.

8. How Rocks Form Click on the picture below to see how rocks are formed! *Make sure that you click on each of the rock types on the site to see all of the images*

9. Specific Rocks  Conglomerate  Gneiss  Granite  Gypsum  Limestone  Obsidian  Pumice   Sandstone   Shale   Schist   Scoria

10. Rock Assignment  Now that you know something about rocks and their cycle…  Research a rock on the internet  In Microsoft Word include… A picture of the rock Type of rock (metamorphic, igneous, sedimentary) And 3 interesting factoids about your rock  Remember to print out a copy of this page (don’t forget to include your name and date) For even more fun go to next slide!

11. Fun and games with Rocks!  Just for fun, check out this web-site! Just click on the picture