The Rock Cycle Lab printable pdf download

Name ___________________________________ Date __________________ Period _____ Score out of 25 _____

Corrected by _________________________________

The Rock Cycle Lab

The rock cycle is a never-ending process. Igneous rock forms from magma or lava. Weathering breaks

igneous rock into sediments such as pebbles and sand. These small pieces are compacted and cemented

under pressure into sedimentary rock. Under great heat and pressure inside the Earth’s crust, igneous

and sedimentary rocks are changed into metamorphic rocks. These rocks are brought to the earth’s

surface where they are weathered again into sediments to become sedimentary rocks.

Materials

hot plate

10 butterscotch or peanut

sheet of aluminum foil

10 milk chocolate chips

butter chips

heavy books

10 white chocolate chips

plastic knife, paper plate

Safety Concern: The hot plate will cause burns. Use it carefully.

4 points for completing the lab correctly ________________

Part 1 Making Weathering Rocks Procedure

A. Pour one color of chips on the plate and cut them into little pieces and shavings with the plastic

knife. (The smaller the pieces and shavings, the better)

B. Pour the little pieces and shavings on to the aluminum foil.

C. Take another color of chips and cut them up into little pieces.

D. Pour the little pieces and shavings on top of the other color on the foil.

E. Repeat with the last color.

Describe your observations.

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2. Draw and color what you see from the top.

3. Draw and color what you see from the side.

Part 2 Making Sedimentary Rock Procedure

A. Fold the aluminum foil over your three layers of chips.

B. Place two –three heavy books over the aluminum foil and leave for 3 minutes.

C. Take off the books and observe the chips.

4. Describe your observations in the space below.

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The Rock Cycle Lab