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Purpose of Resource
The purpose of this resource is to introduce 7th grade science, John P. Freeman Optional School students to the rock cycle. This timeline will lead students through each process of the rock cycle. The learning will be engaging as students will: complete modules, virtual labs, work simulations, watch videos, and even listen to raps. -
The Magma Chamber
The Magma Chamber is filled with hot magma. When a volcano erupts or tectonic plates begin to move, magma will rise to the surface of earth. -
Volcanic Eruption- Lava Flow & Intrusive Igneous Rocks
Magma begins to rise when the tectonic plates move. Some magma cools in the chamber. Since it cools slowly due to extreme heat, intrusive igneous rocks form. Then the volcano erupts; magma explodes from the volcano. Once on Earth's surface, the flow of magma is then called lava. -
Lava Cooling- Extrusive Igneous Rock
Lava can be very dangerous. It has burned homes and destroyed resources such as electricity, water, and vegetation. It can travel up to hundreds of meters per hour depending on its viscosity (the thickness of matter or resistance to move freely), (Riley, n.d.). Lava can cool very quickly, even minutes to a few days. When lava cools on Earth's surface, extrusive igneous rocks to form. Watch the video to view the flow of lava:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJJYk9MiNuY -
Intrusive Igneous vs Extrusive Igenous Rocks
Both rocks are a source of volcanic eruptions; however, they have different properties.
Follow the link to learn the difference between intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks. When you understand the difference, create a venn diagram comparing and contrasting the two. Also, identify some igneous rocks as intrusive or extrusive based on their crystal sizes.
http://geology.com/rocks/igneous-rocks.shtml -
Sedimentary Rocks to the Ocean Floor
Sedimentary rocks continue to transport by wind and ocean streams. Rocks that reach the ocean floor are dragged downward beneath Earth's surface by movement of tectonic plates. The image shows a subduction zone. Rocks are dragged downward with the oceanic crust toward the magma chamber. -
Weathering and Erosion
Once igneous rocks cool, they are affected by natural processes such as weathering and erosion. Rocks are weathered by water, acids, and temperatures. This causes rocks to break down and become sediments (rocks and mineral fragments). Then those sediments are eroded or transported by wind and streams (Boudreau et.al, 2011). -
Virtual Lab- Weathering
Follow the link to complete the virtual lab on weathering.
http://www.glencoe.com/sites/common_assets/science/virtual_labs/E06/E06.swf -
Sedimentary Rock- Compaction and Cementation
The rock and mineral fragments or sediments are deposited in layers. They are then cemented and compacted to form a sedimentary rock. Please follow the link to learn more. Be sure to answer the analysis questions:
http://utahscience.oremjr.alpine.k12.ut.us/sciber06/8th/geology/html/layering.htm -
Sedimentary Rock and Subduction
Sedimentary rocks are then moved to the body of the ocean floor. Here they are subdued or dragged downward beneath Earth's surface. View the image for a subduction zone. Rocks are dragged downward with the oceanic crust toward the magma chamber. -
Metamorphic Rock
As the rocks are being dragged downward, they are heated and pressured. This causes the rocks to become new forms of rock. These rocks are now called Metamorphic Rocks. They have bands of minerals due to heating. Follow the link to see how an igneous rock can become a metamorphic rock.
https://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/content/visualizations/es0607/es0607page01.cfm?chapter_no=visualization -
Process Starts Again
Some metamorphic rocks are dragged into the magma chamber where they completely melt. Once melted, they become magma. The process of the rock cycle starts again with a new volcano eruption. -
Resources- Rock Cycle Simulation
Follow the link to complete the rock cycle module:
https://ees.as.uky.edu/sites/default/files/elearning/module05swf.swf -
Resource: Interactive Rock Cycle
Follow the link to complete the interactive rock cycle. You will learn about the three types of rock, how they form, as well as test your skills.
https://www.learner.org/interactives/rockcycle/index.html -
Resource- Rock Cycle Rap by Mr. Lee
