A rock's journey is never-ending, and what better way to learn about this journey than with food? Let's start by modeling one potential journey a rock can take through the rock cycle. This journey will include all three types of rock: sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous. Choose and complete one of edible rock cycle labs described below. Feel free to modify the lab as needed (depending on what you have available at home). If you are unable (or uninterested) in completing one of the edible labs, you can use the link provided in the "Digital Rock Cycle" section to learn how rocks change over time, or watch the video in the "Rock Cycle - Human Intervention" section.
Once you have completed the lab (or alternative activity), make sure you use the "Key Concepts" section to learn a little more about the rock cycle so you fully understand how your edible model represents the recycling and changing of rocks on Earth.
At the end of this activity, you should be able to define each of the following concepts, and explain how they play a role in the cycling of rocks, one of Earth's magnificent resources.
Weathering
Erosion
Deposition
Sedimentation
Deformation
Melting
Crystallization
Rock Cycle with Starburst
Materials:
starburst, scissors, a microwave safe bowl (or saucepan), a sandwich bag (plastic wrap, wax paper, or foil would also work)
Procedure:
1. Start by unwrapping 3-4 different color starburst and cutting them into small pieces known as sediment.
2. Gather your sediment together in a sandwich bag and apply pressure using the heel of your hand. Continue applying pressure until your sediment sticks together and forms one rock (as opposed to being a pile of tiny rocks). Take your new sedimentary rock out and observe how it is different from what you started with.
3. Put your "sedimentary rock" back into the bag. Rub your hands together to heat them up, and then start squishing your rock. Use pressure and mold/shape the rock by squishing it and folding it in the bag. Once the colors look like they are really blending together, you can take out your metamorphic rock and observe it. How is it different from the sedimentary rock?
4. Finally, put your metamorphic rock in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it until it melts. You can let your rock cool slowly in the bowl, or cool it down quickly by pouring some of into a cup/bowl of water. CAUTION: Do NOT touch the melted starburst; it is HOT!! Once your molten rock (magma) has cooled, pick it up and look at it. How is your igneous rock different from metamorphic and sedimentary?
If needed, watch the video below to see an example of the starburst rock cycle lab. Note: The procedure in the video is slightly different that procedure described above.
Rock Cycle with S'mores
Materials:
marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate, scissors, a microwave safe bowl (or saucepan), a sandwich bag (plastic wrap, wax paper, or foil would also work)
Procedure:
1. Start by putting your graham crackers, marshmallows, and pieces of chocolate into a sandwich bag. Put as many of each ingredient as you want into the bag. Crush your ingredients into small pieces known as sediment.
2. Once you have your sediment, apply pressure using the palm of your hand. Continue applying pressure until your sediment sticks together and forms one rock (as opposed to being a pile of tiny rocks). Take your new sedimentary rock out and observe how it is different from what you started with.
3. Put your "sedimentary rock" back into the bag. Rub your hands together to heat them up, and then start squishing your rock. Use pressure and mold/shape the rock by squishing it and folding it in the bag. Once the pieces look like they are really blending and melting together, you can take out your metamorphic rock and observe it. How is it different from the sedimentary rock?
4. Finally, put your metamorphic rock in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it until it melts. You can let your rock cool slowly in the bowl, or cool it down quickly by dropping into a cup/bowl of water. CAUTION: Do NOT touch the melted s'mores rock; it is HOT!! Once your molten rock (magma) has cooled, pick it up and look at it. How is your igneous rock different from metamorphic and sedimentary?
If needed, watch the chocolate rock cycle video above to see an example of how the rock cycle lab was done with just chocolate. Note: The procedure in the video is slightly different that procedure described above.
Digital Rock Cycle
Use the rock cycle interactive link below to learn more about each type of rock, and how they can change.
Rock Cycle - Human Intervention
Watch the video below to see a rock's journey through time once humans get ahold of it.
Key Concepts
Weathering - the breaking down of rocks into smaller pieces known as sediment
Erosion - the movement of sediment by wind, water, and/or gravity
Deposition - the dropping or settling of sediment in a new place
Sedimentation - the compacting and compressing of sediment into sedimentary rock
Deformation - can occur when heat & pressure stretch and change the type of rock
Melting - when solid rock becomes liquid rock (lava or magma) usually deep underground
Crystallization - when magma or lava cools back into a solid, forming crystals
Use the additional resources below as needed to learn more about the concepts above, and how they relate to the rock cycle.