Clement Rock Cycle

Rockin'the Classroom

designed by
Mrs. Cindy Clement
Third Grade

Rock Valley	Granite
Mount Rushmore	Lava Rock

Get ready to rock the classroom with some really cool sites and activities! You'll learn exactly how rocks are formed, what they're made of, how people use them and much, much more. There's even some really rockin' games to play while your learning. Before you know it, you'll be an expert rock detective or what some people call a rockhound. So, join the fun and get your classroom rockin'.

	1. What is the study of rocks called? It's a special kind of geology. Visit this encyclopedia to find out exactly what scientist call it.
	2. What is a rock anyway? Find out what rocks are made of by visiting this site. You'll discover some fascinating facts about rocks and minerals!
	3. All rocks are alike; right? Actually; no. There are all kinds of rocks. Find out the three different types of rocks and you'll make a great discovery.
	4. Just how are rocks formed? You'll love exploring this site and watching each type of rock as it forms. After entering the site, click on each type of rock and it will take you on a journey to see how each type of rock is made.
	5. What's the big deal about rocks and minerals? Rocks and minerals are used in buildings, computers, and even food. Take a tour at this site and you'll be amazed at what you discover.
	6. If only rocks could talk! What would they say? Visit this site to read a story entitled "Rocky's Root's". Rocky is curious about where he came from and searches to find the answer. To find out all about how different rocks came to be and what kind of rock Rocky is, read this interesting story.
	7. What does it take to be a rock hound? Find out what kind of geologist studies rocks and why they find them so interesting.
	8. Did you know that rocks travel in a cycle? No kidding! It just happens to be called the "rock cycle". Rocks and mountains never seem to change, but landforms and rocks are always moving and changing. To see just how rocks get around, visit this site.
	9. Would you like to see a movie about the rock cycle? Join the cartoon characters, Tim and Moby, as they tell the story of the rock cycle. Be sure to browse through the movies and select the Rock Cycle.
	10. Help Rex, the Dino Detective, solve the mystery of the floating rock . You'll love watching the rocks take a dive into the water to find out if they float or sink. Learning the properties of rocks at this site helps you know how to classify them.
	11. Now that you've become an official rockhound, visit this site, This Planet Really Rocks, to find out more fascinating facts about rocks. You'll even learn some rock sayings, jokes and play some fun games to see how much you've learned.

Mission #1

The Mysterious Rock
Rex, the Dino Detective, needs your help. He has found a mysterious rock and must identify it for his collection. Since you have become such an expert rockhound, he wants you to help him solve the mystery. Follow the steps below and you'll discover the mysterious rock's properties which will lead you to clues to help you solve the case.

Steps to complete mission #1.(printable version)

1. Print a chart to begin your activity. Don't forget to hit the back button at the
   top of the chart to bring you back to these directions.
2. Visit Rex's website to find the properties and examples of each type of rock.
3. Read about each type of rock and watch the video showing whether each type
    of rock floats by moving the arrow across the picture. To view the different
    properties, you must click on the pictures of the types of rock at the bottom
    of the page.
4. Record at least two properties and two examples of each type of rock onto
    your chart.
5. Write the name of Rex's mysterious rock in the space below the chart.

QCC Objectives:

Earth/Space Science
1. Standard #21: Classifies rocks according to the manner in which they are
   formed. Knows the primary groups of rocks (igneous, metamorphic and
   sedimentary) and knows that characteristics of rock types are a direct result
   of how they are formed.

Technology
2. Standard # 10 Student uses online resources to gather information.

Printable Rubric

	Beginning 5	Developing 10	Accomplished 15
Technology Standard #10	Student is able to use online resources with much teacher assistance.	Student is able to use online resources with some assistance from teacher.	Student is able to use online resources to gather information and express ideas.
Earth/Space Science Standard #21	Student is able to identify few rocks by the characteristics in which they are formed.	Student is able to identify some rocks by the characteristics in which they are formed.	Student is able to identify rocks by the characteristics in which they are formed.

Mission #2

Rockhounds Wanted!

Rockhounds are needed again! Petrologist, scientist who study rocks, are having a hard time explaining what granite is made of to some of their students. The scientists have tried to explain to them over and over again that granite is made of four different minerals, but their students just don't understand. They need a picture, or graph, that will show them each type of mineral in granite and since your a great rockhound, you have been selected to make the graph. Just follow the steps below and you'll have them understanding in no time!

Steps to complete mission #2.(printable version)

1. Visit the site and learn all about the rock, granite.
2. Print the rock model activity page.
3. Be sure to click on the patterns page and print it so that you can make a model
    of granite later.
4. On the printed page of the rock model activity, use your pencil to change the
    quartz to 2 pieces instead of 3.
5. On graph paper, use the information to construct a graph showing each mineral
    in granite. Your graph should include your name, a title, names of each mineral
    and a number scale of 0-100.
6. Each mineral in your graph should be a different color.
7. After your graph is completed, follow the directions on the rock model activity
    page to build a model of granite. Make sure you cut out the correct number
    of pieces for each mineral.
8. Compare your model to a real piece of granite in your classroom rock
   collection.

QCC Objectives:

Math
1. Standard #35: Employs problem solving strategies (e.g. draw a picture, make a
chart, graph, or table; guess and check; look for a pattern).

Technology
2. Standard #10: Student uses online resources to gather information.

Printable Rubric

	Beginning 5	Developing 10	Accomplished Transfer interrupted! s MS">15
Technology	Student is able to use online resources to gather information with much teacher assistance.	Student is able to use online resources to gather information with some teacher assistance.	Student is able to use online resources to gather information.
Math Standard #35	Student constructs graph with some of the correct information.	Student constructs graph with most of the correct information.	Student constructs graph with the correct information.

cclement@decatur.k12.ga.us

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