Materials Included In Kit

Additional Materials Required

Prelab Preparation

1. Cut out one die template on the solid lines.
2. Fold the die sections and tabs inward on the dashed lines.
3. Use tape or glue on the tabs to make the die template into a cube. Note: The final fold may need to be taped to hold the die together well.
4. Repeat for the other die templates.
5. Cut out each station sign on the solid lines.
6. Fold each sign in half on the dotted lines.
7. Place one sign and its respective die at each station around the classroom. Note: You may want to arrange the stations in the same order they are found in Figure 1 in the Background section to make it easier for students to find their stations when they are directed to move.

Safety Precautions

The materials in this activity are considered nonhazardous.

Lab Hints

• Enough materials are provided in this kit for 30 students working individually. All materials are reusable. This activity can reasonably be completed in one 45- to 50-minute class period. The preactivity assignment may be completed before coming to class, and the data compilation and questions may be completed the day after the activity.
• Assign students to different stations before the activity begins. Three students at each station is a reasonable number to avoid long waiting periods for the dice.
• If desired, photocopy the dice templates on colored cardstock before cutting out and make two or three dice for each station.
• The dice templates and station signs are printed on cardstock for durability with repeated use. Laminate the dice templates and station placards before cutting for even greater durability.
• Be sure the correct die is placed at each station. The name of the station is printed in italics on the lower right corner of each die face.

Teacher Tips

• This is a great interactive exercise to help students understand the dynamic nature of the rock cycle, how rocks are formed, and the forces that drive the process.
• Place samples of each type of rock at the appropriate stations to reinforce rock identification. Photos depicting the designated geologic processes may be placed at the other stations.
• If time allows, have students do the activity a second time, starting at a different station, then compare their two “adventures” through the rock cycle.
• Continue to explore rocks and the rock cycle with the following kits available from Flinn Scientific: Rock Formation and Identification Kit (Catalog No. AP7030) and Chemical and Mechanical Weathering of Rock (Catalog No. AP7035).

Answers to Prelab Questions

1. What happens as sediments undergo lithification?

   Lithification involves cementation and compaction. These processes transform sediments into rock.

2. Based on Figure 1 in the Background section, name three processes an igneous rock may undergo.

   An igneous rock may undergo metamorphism, weathering or melting.

3. Where would a metamorphic rock be found in order to experience weathering?

   A metamorphic rock would be at or near the Earth’s surface in order to experience weathering.

Sample Data

Answers to Questions

1. Did you move completely through the rock cycle, visiting each station in order? If not, how did your path vary?

   No, the stages of metamorphism and metamorphic rocks were skipped and the process of forming igneous rocks was repeated.

2. At which stage of the rock cycle did you spend the most time?

   The melting stage—stayed for two rolls of the die and then went back and stayed for three.

3. Compare your Rock Cycle diagram with a classmate’s. Describe several ways they are different.

   The path travelled was in a different order; some stages were skipped in one but not the other; more time was spent in certain stages on one diagram and in a different stage on the other, etc.

4. What geologic processes lead to the formation of sedimentary rock? Igneous rock? Metamorphic?

   Weathering and lithification form sedimentary rock; melting and cooling form igneous rock; metamorphism forms metamorphic rock.

5. What processes are included with metamorphism?

   Heat, pressure, shear, stress or chemical change

6. Why is the process of rock formation described as a cycle?

   The cycle represents the never-ending process of rock formation and reformation. The stages do not necessarily progress from one to another in a circular pattern.

Teacher Handouts

12803_Teacher1.pdf

12803_Teacher2.pdf

References

McComb, S. I’m a rock head … just like you. Level Line, [Online] 2004, 13(4) pp 6–8.

Schmidt, S.; Palmer, C. Rock Cycle Roulette. The Science Teacher 2000, pp 34–37.

Introduction

Did you have calcium-fortified orange juice for breakfast today? Is it possible that the calcium in the orange juice was once part of a volcanic eruption or sediment at the bottom of the ocean? Follow the adventure a rock undergoes as you actually “walk” around the rock cycle.

Concepts

• Rock cycle
• Geologic processes

Background

The rock cycle illustrates the origin of the three basic rock types—igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic—and the roles of geologic processes that transform one type of rock into another (see Figure 1). Geologic processes that are part of the rock cycle include weathering, erosion, lithification, metamorphism, melting and cooling. Weathering involves both the chemical and physical breakdown of rock at or near the Earth’s surface. This results in the accumulation of sediments—loose materials such as rock and mineral fragments or remains of animals and plants that have been transported and deposited. Lithification is the transformation of sediment into a rock. The main processes involved in lithification are cementation—large sediments are held together by natural cements—and compaction—layers of sediments are compressed by the weight of the layers above them. Metamorphism is the process by which rocks are changed by heat, pressure, shear, stress or chemical change.

Experiment Overview

The purpose of this activity is to track a mineral through stages of the rock cycle by moving from one station to another based on the roll of Rock Cycle Dice at each station. The various stages experienced and the amount of time spent at each will be recorded.

Materials

Prelab Questions

1. What happens as sediments undergo lithification?
2. Based on Figure 1 in the Background section, name three processes an igneous rock may undergo.
3. Where would a metamorphic rock be found in order to experience weathering?

Safety Precautions

Please follow all classroom safety guidelines.

Procedure

1. Begin at one of the ten stations assigned by the instructor. Note: Each station represents a stage in the rock cycle, either a type of rock, an intermediary form or a geologic process.
2. Record the starting station in the Data Table on the Rock Cycle Adventure Worksheet.
3. Roll the Rock Cycle die found at this first station. Note: If other students are at the same station, take turns rolling the die. Follow the directions for your roll only.
4. Note the directions on the side of the die facing up. Record the event designated on the die under Event and next to your starting station in the data table.
5. Record the station designated as “Go to” on the die for Roll 1 in the data table. If directed to stay, rewrite the name of the current station.
6. Move to the station indicated by the roll of the die (or stay at the same station if directed).
7. Repeat steps 3–6, recording the event and the station for each roll of the die until 20 rolls have been completed or the time allotted by the instructor is up.
8. Complete the Rock Cycle Adventure Worksheet.

Student Worksheet PDF

12803_Student1.pdf