OBJECTIVES:

• Comparing the different types of rocks.
• Exploring the difficulties in identifying rocks.

VOCABULARY:

• igneous
• metamorphic
• sedimentary

MATERIALS:

• Mineral and Rock Display Kit
• worksheet

Students review the different type of rocks and where they are formed.

BACKGROUND:

The students have learned the origin of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. However, this does not guarantee that students can pick up any rock and name it. Rock identification is difficult; it is important to impress upon students that they are just beginning to learn the process.

If you understand how the Rock Cycle works you can picture how the rocks are formed. Once children get the "picture in their head," then the names of the rocks will convey a more complete picture of how it was formed and why it has that name.

PROCEDURE:

1. Use the Display Kit to review the origins and compositions of minerals and rocks. The students will find some of the specimens easy to recognize, but others will be more difficult. Compare the Rock Cycle to where these rocks can be found.
    
2. The more you review the specimens, the more the students will become familiar with them. The information sheet on the specimens included in the Mineral and Rock Kit will help guide in-class descriptions of each specimen. For each rock, emphasize whether it is igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic in origin.
    
3. Use the worksheet to emphasize the movement of rocks within the Rock Cycle. The answers are below.

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