the rock cycle · scientists sort rocks into three main groups, depending on how they have been...

Program Support Notes by: Bronwyn Moroney B.Ed, P.G. Dip.Ed Produced by: VEA Pty Ltd Commissioning Editor: Sandra Frerichs B.Ed, M.Ed. Executive Producer: Simon Garner B.Ed, Dip Management

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The Rock Cycle

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© Davis Film and Video Production P/L trading as Classroom Video 2010 Reproducing these support notes


For Teachers

Introduction Scientists sort rocks into three main groups, depending on how they have been formed. The three groups are igneous rock, sedimentary rock and metamorphic rock. This programs looks at these three rock types, the physical and chemical properties of rocks and the distinguishing features between rocks within each group. It explains how each group forms, and how under certain circumstances rocks change. All rock types begin in the earth’s crust within a process known as the Rock Cycle. This process is explained and the cycle itself looked at in depth. The tectonic processes that influence and drive formations both within the earth’s crust and on the surface are also explored.

Timeline 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:22 Our Earth 00:03:52 Igneous rock 00:08:33 Sedimentary rock 00:12:06 Metamorphic rock 00:15:41 The rock cycle 00:18:56 Conclusion 00:19:45 Credits 00:20:47 End program

Related Titles Mining – From Exploration to Rehabilitation

Recommended Resources

• http://www.science-teachers.com/

• http://www.minerals.org.au/victoria/

• http://www.tasminerals.com.au/educational-links.pdf

• http://www.soil-net.com/

• http://www.teachers.ash.org.au/jmresources/fossils/links.html

• http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/67721/20070206-0000/www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/scitrek/laboratory/programs/rock/groups.html

• http://www.learner.org/interactives/rockcycle/testskills.html

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Student Worksheet

Active Viewing Guide

Chapter 1 – Our Earth 1. All rocks can be divided into three main groups according to the way they are formed. List these

three main groups. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Fill in the blanks:

Rocks are made up of a complex collection of ____________ which are made up of single

elements or compounds. Some are so small that they ____________ be seen with the naked eye. 3. Minerals are classified according to:

• Chemical C______________________

• Hardness

• C_______________

• L_______________

• Texture

• Transparency

• W__________

• Fracture B_______________ 4. Name the three layers that make up the Earth. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

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5. Why are the rocks in the top section of the Earth rigid? _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ 6. Name the two types of crust. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ 7. Movement along tectonic plates causes four processes, they are:

• Earth___________

• V_____________________ activity

• M_____________________ building

• O_____________ T________________ formation

Chapter 2 – Igneous Rock 1. Igneous rocks are produced when magma cools, ________________________, and

________________________. 2. Slow cooling magma creates ________________________ crystals; fast cooling magma creates

________________________ crystals. 3. Complete the table on the three types of igneous rock.

Igneous Rock Type Extrusive Plutonic

Location Just under the surface

Cooling rate Short period (seconds

to months)

Grain size Large

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4. Name at least three types of igneous rock mentioned. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 3 – Sedimentary Rock 1. Sedimentary rock is composed of C_________________ S________________ broken down

rocks, organic remains and chemical precipitates. 2. Sedimentary rocks have layers or strata so are called ____________________ rocks. 3. Complete the table on the three types of sedimentary rock:

Type Mostly made of: Examples:

Clastic sedimentary

Organic sedimentary

Chemical sedimentary

4. Why do we find fossils in sedimentary rock? _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

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Chapter 4 – Metamorphic rock 1. Metamorphic rock results from the changing of ________________ and ________________. 2. Circle the correct answer:

Where does the change into metamorphic rock occur?

above the Earth’s surface below the Earth’s surface deep below the Earth’s surface 3. High ________________ and ________________ break down the ________________ structure

of the minerals in the rock. 4. Complete the table on the three types of metamorphic rock

Type of metamorphic rock

Created by

Thermal

Rocks are ____________________ and changes take place. This can occur during ____________________ ____________________ processes.

Dynamic

Rock structure is altered due to ____________________, but ____________________ don’t chemically change. That occurs during the formation of mountains.

Metasomatic ____________________ and ____________________ permeate the bedrock and chemically replace certain elements in the rock.

5. Give three examples of metamorphic rocks. _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

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Chapter 5 – Rock Cycle 1. Complete the following details in the rock cycle:

a) All rock originates in solidification of_______________ _______________.

b) Magma cools as it moves _______________ the earth’s surface.

c) Igneous rocks can rise to the surface through _______________, _______________, or

_______________ _______________.

d) Weathering processes like _______________ and _______________ break down rocks on the

surface. _______________ is transported through erosion by rivers, glaciers and wind.

e) Debris is deposited as permanent sediment, eventually becoming _______________

_______________.

f) Rocks can return to the earth’s interior by tectonic forces in regions known as

_______________ _______________– where one tectonic plate is forced below another.

g) Tectonic _______________ and _______________ create heat and pressure.

h) When rocks reach their _______________ _______________ they become magma. 2. Which geologic process can change any type of rock into sediment?

• Cooling

• Heat and pressure

• Melting

• Weathering and erosion

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3. Identify which of the following geologic processes can transform sediment into shale, shale into

slate, and slate into magma.

• Cooling; melting; heat and pressure

• Compacting and cementing; heat and pressure; melting

• Melting; heat and pressure; cooling

• Weathering and erosion; compacting and cementing 4. Identify which of the following geologic processes can transform magma into granite, granite into

sand, and sand into sandstone.




• Cooling, weathering and erosion, compacting and cementing

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Extension Activities 1. Start a rock collection. Collect rocks from various locations and try to identify them.

Try to find at least three different rocks and draw a picture of each one. Remember that rocks come in many different sizes. Select rocks that are small enough to pick up and examine with the hand. Answer the following questions about your rock:

a) Where did you find this rock?

b) How would you describe this rock?

c) What does it feel like? Are parts of it smooth? Are parts of it rough?

d) How is it different from the other rocks you found?

e) Do you see any patterns in this rock? Look at the whole rock. Does it look like it is all made of

the same thing or does it look like it is made up of smaller parts? 2. What is the difference between a mineral and a rock? 3. Different rocks have different uses depending on their properties. Select a rock and investigate it.

Include type, properties and its uses. Why is your rock suited to its particular use? For a list of rocks to choose from go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_rocks

4. Geologists use many different methods to identify minerals that make up rocks. Each mineral

possesses a unique set of identifying properties. Select three minerals and list the identifying properties each one has.

5. Around 90 minerals are classed as gems, but only about 20 of these are important gems.

Gemstones are often what people mean when they talk about "crystals". There are many gemstones and most are used for jewellery or decoration. Some gemstones look similar to what the mineral looks like when found in nature and others are very different.

• Activity: Take A Gemstone Safari. Go to http://www.africagems.com/gemsafari.html. This site sells gemstones from Africa. It has photos of colored gemstone mining in Africa and has an article about processing gemstones. Select a gemstone and create a poster that includes the gem’s value, a description, properties, availability and mining techniques.

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6. Most people are familiar with precious and semi-precious gemstones because of the popularity of

birthstones. Select your birthstone from the chart below and find out information about it such as how and where it is formed, mined and processed.

Month Modern (as of 1912 USA) Traditional

January Garnet Garnet

February Amethyst Amethyst

March Aquamarine Bloodstone

April Diamond Diamond

May Emerald Emerald

June Pearl, Moonstone Alexandrite

July Ruby Ruby

August Peridot Sardonyx

September Sapphire Sapphire

October Opal, Tourmaline Tourmaline

November Yellow Topaz, Citrine Citrine

December Blue Topaz, Turquoise Zircon, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli

7. Rocks can contain crystals of various shapes. The shapes (crystalline structures) are ordered

arrangements which are unique to a particular crystal. Look up various crystals and draw their shapes. Where would you typically find these crystals?

8. Write a story about travelling through the earth into the core. Include the temperatures

experienced, rock types expected, pressure, and environment. 9. Explain in your own words the processes of Tectonic movement in the Earths’ crust. Include

divergence, convergence and transformation of plates. What impact does each have on the physical environment?

10. What is subduction?

a) Where does it occur?

b) What effect does it have on the earth?

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11. Research tectonic plates and label them on this world map.

12. Make an illustrated poster of the Rock Cycle 13. Make a shoe box diorama of a landscape in an environment showing the various types of rocks

and their typical locations. 14. Do a field study of an area identifying the rocks it contains.

a) Compare and contrast different rocks.

• Describe the shape of the rock.

• How many different colors can you see on this rock?

• How would you describe the different colors on this rock?

• Do you see any patterns in this rock?

b) Discuss similarities and differences.

• How are these rocks similar to each other?

• How are they different?

• Look at the patterns in each rock. Are any of the patterns similar?

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• How are the patterns different?

• Are some rocks more colorful than others?

• Do you think all of these rocks would feel the same if you touched them? Why or why not?

• How are the shapes of these rocks the same?

• How are the shapes different? 15. Make a geological map of an area. Include a scale, legend, correct symbols, a heading and

orientation and use the correct nomenclature for rock types. 16. Obtain a geological map of an area. Write a report on the topography and formations present.

State the rocks present and from this information predict what the past environment (geological history) was. Justify your answer

17. Erosion is a key part of the Rock Cycle. Erosion happens mainly as a result of weathering.

Weathering is the effect of water, temperature and wind on rocks causing particles on the exterior of rocky landscapes to break off. Erosion is responsible for forming much of the interesting landscape that is around us by moving these weathered particles through mudslides, run off, windstorms etc. It is also a major problem. People can do things to increase erosion or slow it down. Carry out an investigation to determine how humans have altered the landscape. How has this impacted on the local area, a regional area and a national or international area?

18. Erosion Experiment: vegetation and soil compaction effects on rates of erosion.

Aim:

Erosion is a park management concern. Erosion can occur naturally but is more often accelerated by human action. This activity allows students to investigate the process of erosion and the effect vegetation has on erosion rates.

Materials:

• 2 boxes or trays of soil the same size

• 2 liters of water (milk cartons)

• Stopwatch

• large funnel, watering can

• 2 beakers with mm measurements ranging to 1 liter

• 2 stands (or bricks), to hold the boxes of soil at a constant diagonal angle or hold boxes at a 45 degree angle with the corner pointed down to collect run off.

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Method:

• Step 1: Place soil in trays. In the first tray press the soil down. In the 2nd

tray place some weeds that you have dug up. Angle both the trays to form a steep slope towards a corner.

• Step 2: Arrange the funnel under the tray corner and place the beaker under the funnel.

• Step 3: Using the watering can, gently pour water over the soil at the top end of the 1st tray so

that water runs off into the funnel and beaker.

• Step 4: Wait 30 seconds (using the stopwatch) for the water to trickle through the funnel and into the beaker, Remove the container after 30 seconds. Measure how much water was captured in the beaker.

• Step 5: With the 2nd

tray, pour a liter of water at the same speed via the watering can. Use the 2

nd beaker to catch the water. Measure how much water was captured in the beaker.

Results:

Make an appropriate result table and fill in all the data: volume of water collected from each tray, speed of water flow into the beaker, color of water runoff and your observations.

19. Discuss the following questions in regards to the Erosion Experiment you have just completed.

a) Which tray has the most runoff and why? b) What were the differences between the speed of the flow in both trays? c) What was the difference in runoff and suspended solids from each tray? d) What would happen if the water speed were increased in both trays? e) What results would be different if the trays were placed on a gentle incline instead of a steep

incline? Explain your predictions. f) What mistakes did your group make and how could you improve the experiment? g) What did you learn about erosion from this experiment? Compare your observations

regarding erosion and runoff between the two trays. Does erosion and run off occur more when plants are present in soils or with bare soil? What factors cause this to happen?

h) What recommendation could you make from this experiment?

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Suggested Student Responses

Active Viewing Guide

Chapter 1 – Our Earth 1. All rocks can be divided into three main groups according to the way they are formed. List these

three main groups: Igneous Sedimentary Metamorphic

2. Fill in the blanks:

Rocks are made up of a complex collection of minerals which are made up of single elements or compounds. Some are so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye.

3. Minerals are classified according to:

• Chemical Composition

• Hardness

• Color

• Luster

• Texture

• Transparency

• Weight

• Fracture Behavior 4. Name the three layers that make up the Earth.

Core Mantle Crust

5. Why are the rocks in the top section of the Earth rigid?

Cooler temperatures and less intense pressures 6. Name the two types of crust.

Oceanic crust Continental crust

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7. Movement along tectonic plates causes four processes, they are:

• Earthquakes

• Volcanic activity

• Mountain building

• Ocean Trench formation

Chapter 2 – Igneous Rock 1. Igneous rocks are produced when magma cools, crystallizes and solidifies. 2. Slow cooling magma creates large crystals; fast cooling magma creates small crystals. 3. Complete the table on the three types of igneous rock.

Igneous Rock Type Extrusive Intrusive Plutonic

Location On the surface Just under the surface Deep below the

surface

Cooling rate Short period (seconds

to months) Thousands of years Millions of years

Grain size Miniscule Small-medium Large

4. Name at least three types of igneous rock mentioned.

Obsidian Pumice Scoria Basalt Granite

Chapter 3 – Sedimentary Rock 1. Sedimentary rock is composed of Compacted Sediment broken down rocks, organic remains and

chemical precipitates. 2. Sedimentary rocks have layers or strata so are called stratified rocks.

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3. Complete the table on the three types of sedimentary rock:

Type Mostly made of: Examples:

Clastic sedimentary Mud, sand, gravel, clay Sandstone, shale

Organic sedimentary Dead plant and animal

materials Limestone, chert, lignite coal

Chemical sedimentary Minerals from concentrated

seawater Gypsum, rock salt

4. Why do we find fossils in sedimentary rock?

Plant and animal remains are trapped and protected as layers of sediment build up.

Chapter 4 – Metamorphic rock 1. Metamorphic rock results from the changing of igneous rock and sedimentary rock. 2. Circle the correct answer:

Where does the change into metamorphic rock occur?

above the Earth’s surface below the Earth’s surface deep below the Earth’s surface 3. High temperatures and pressure break down the crystalline structure of the minerals in the rock. 4. Complete the table on the three types of metamorphic rock

Type of metamorphic rock

Created by

Thermal Rocks are heated and changes take place. This can occur during plate

tectonic processes.

Dynamic Rock structure is altered due to pressure, but minerals don’t chemically

change. That occurs during the formation of mountains.

Metasomatic Gases and liquids permeate the bedrock and chemically replace

certain elements in the rock.

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5. Give three examples of metamorphic rocks.

Slate Marble Serpentinite Blueschist Soapstone

Chapter 5 – Rock Cycle 1. Complete the following details in the rock cycle:

a) All rock originates in solidification of molten magma.

b) Magma cools as it moves towards the earth’s surface.

c) Igneous rocks can rise to the surface through weathering, erosion or tectonic processes.

d) Weathering processes like wind and rain break down rocks on the surface. Debris is transported through erosion by rivers, glaciers and wind.

e) Debris is deposited as permanent sediment, eventually becoming sedimentary rock.

f) Rocks can return to the earth’s interior by tectonic forces in regions known as subduction

zones – where one tectonic plate is forced below another.

g) Tectonic faulting and folding create heat and pressure.

h) When rocks reach their melting point they become magma. 2. Which geologic process can change any type of rock into sediment?

• Cooling

• Heat and pressure

• Melting

• Weathering and erosion

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3. Identify which of the following geologic processes can transform sediment into shale, shale into

slate, and slate into magma.




• Weathering and erosion; compacting and cementing 4. Identify which of the following geologic processes can transform magma into granite, granite into

sand, and sand into sandstone.




• Cooling, weathering and erosion, compacting and cementing

the rock cycle · scientists sort rocks into three main groups, depending on how they have been...

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