Sedimentary, Igneous, and Metamorphic Rock Projects

For the past couple of weeks,

the kiddos have been learning about

the different rock types:

Sedimentary, Igneous, and Metamorphic

Here are some of the hands-on activities

we completed

while learning about their differences...

(All of the activities below come from

AIMS Earth Rocks!.)

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Sedimentary Rocks

Sedimentary rocks are formed from

consolidated clay sediments. 

We made a model for how 

Sedimentary Rocks form

using a jar, sand, dirt, rock fragments, and water.

We put all of these ingredients together...

...and then shook them up really well.

After 5 minutes of letting the jars sit still,

the kiddos then drew their observations of the jars.

Then we let the jars sit overnight...

...and observed/recorded what the jars looked like

in the morning.

After discussing why they looked different,

the kiddos observed some sample of different

Sedimentary rocks.

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Igneous Rocks

Igneous rocks are formed from the

solidification of molten magma.

Now,

we could not go to a volcano and watch magma cool,

so we did an experiment with crystals instead.

First,

I tried to make a solution of saturated salt water,

and then we put pip cleaners in the salt water,

hoping to see crystals grow.

It didn't happen.

(I think the water did not have enough salt

dissolved in it...)

So,

we did the next best thing...

Using crystal kits from

The Dollar Tree,

we followed the kit directions for making the crystals,

and then set them in different locations

in the house.

The kiddos observed and recorded their growth

over the course of five days.

Here are the results:

Sample 1 grew on the counter top at room temperature,

sample 2 grew in the refrigerator,

and sample 3 grew in a desk drawer.

Day 1

Day 3

Day 5

When the 5 days were over,

the kiddos saw how temperature and location affected

the crystal growth.

Igneous rocks are the same way.

Obsidian rock looks very different from pumice,

and both are igneous.

It all has to do with the speed the magma cools

and the location of where it cools.

Besides growing crystals,

we also spent some time

observing different types of Igneous rocks.

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Metamorphic Rocks

Metamorphic rocks are rocks

that are altered under pressure and heat.

To get an idea of how these rocks are formed,

we got to make a fun snack...

 I threw together some Rice Krispie treats

with bits of Heath candy bars in them,

and M&Ms on top of the them.

The candy bits represented

different sediments/layers in rocks

before they under go extra pressure and heat.

After each kiddo got a treat and recorded their observations,

they wrapped the treats in aluminum foil.

Then they squashed the treats and

recorded their observations;

stood on the treats and

recorded their observations...

...and then ironed the treats

ans recorded their observations.

The treats definitely "morphed" 

under all the pressure and heat-

but they still tasted good!  ;0)

After the treats...

...the kiddos looked at samples of real

Metamorphic rocks, too.

We are greatly enjoying our

"Rock On!" study so far.

Next week,

I will be posting about some more fun ways

we "ate up" information

about these different rock forms...

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Linking up

with

Science Sunday...