Rock cycle science projects can teach students how erosion affects the transformation of rocks.
The rock cycle is generally taught as a part of the elementary school science curriculum. It describes the changes minerals and rocks undergo over time, as erosion, heat and pressure interact to create the rocks that we find on the Earth's surface. Students can use science projects to investigate and learn more about the rock cycle and the forces that affect the creation and transformation of rocks.
Sedimentary Rocks
In this science project, students learn how sedimentary rock is formed by creating sediment bottles. Give each student a Styrofoam cup and materials, such as small pebbles, sand, clay, leaves, twigs, pieces of shell and soil. Students should fill their cups around 3/4 full with the materials -- adding them in layers. Students should also add around two tbsp. of Epsom salts to the cups -- sprinkling a little in each layer. Students should then add enough water to cover the layers completely. Leave the cups in a sunny location to allow the water to evaporate. Once all the water has evaporated, students can cut away the cup to reveal the sedimentary rock.
Metamorphic Candy
Metamorphic rocks are formed by pressure deep in the Earth.You can demonstrate this process to students with a science project using a candy bar. Choose a bar containing lots of things, such as nuts, caramel and nougat. Cut the chocolate bar in half lengthwise and have students sketch the cut side of the bar, noting the different layers. Place half the bar in a plastic zipper-lock bag and zip the bag shut. Place a block of wood or a book on top of the bag and press down firmly. Remove the squished bar from the plastic bag and have children sketch the cut side of the bar again. Students can discuss how the pressure caused the parts of the bar to meld together, creating a different substance.
Sugar Rock
Use sugar cubes in a science project that demonstrates the rock cycle. Crush several sugar cubes to a powder, using the back of a spoon. The sugar cubes represent sedimentary or igneous rock, and the spoon is the power of wind or water, eroding the rocks. Pour the sugar into a pan and heat it up on a stove or Bunsen burner. This represents heat and pressure turning sedimentary rock into metamorphic rock. Heat the sugar until it melts and begins to caramelize. The sugar rock has been heated enough to form 'lava' or 'magma'. Let the 'magma' cool and harden. It has now formed igneous rock. Break the igneous sugar rock into pieces, starting the process all over again.
Crayon Rock Cycle
This science project demonstrates the changes rocks undergo during the rock cycle. Shave several different color crayons in a large pencil sharpener to create crayon shavings. These represent sediment. Wrap the shavings in tin foil and fold up the tin foil to form a small packet. Place a board over the tin foil packet and bang on the board with a hammer. This represents pressure acting on the sediment. Unwrap your crayon sediment and discuss any changes that have occurred. Hold the packet over a candle or Bunsen burner, so your students can see what is happening. After several minutes, remove the packet and let the crayon cool. Students should examine the crayon "rock" and discuss how it has changed.
Tags: science project, Students should, rock cycle, sedimentary rock, sugar cubes, Bunsen burner
