Name ______Date ______

Crayon Rock Cycle Model Lab

Introduction: The rocks that make up the Earth are constantly being recycled. There are three major forms of rock: Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic, but they don’t stay in one form forever. Each type of rock can be changed into another type of rock if it undergoes certain processes. In this lab you will use crayons to design a model to show the processes that form each type of rock.

Materials:

Crayons in different colors wax paper chair leg

Plastic knives Heavy book foil

Safety goggles candle plastic wrap

Hair tie for long hair metal spoon zip lock baggy

Hot hands C-clamp

Procedure:

1.  Find out what processes in nature form each of the three types of rocks from pp. 28-30 of your text book and record these.

2.  For each of the three types of rock design a way to show the processes of the rock cycle that would model how that rock formed. Model a sedimentary rock first, then a metamorphic rock, then an igneous rock. Try out your idea and record what you did.

3.  Evaluate how well your crayon model represented each natural process.

Always use safe laboratory practices. When using a candle, tie up long hair and wear goggles. Check in with your teacher before beginning any modeling.

Rock Cycle Process / Description of Nature’s process / Description of Crayon Modeling Process
Sedimentary
Weathering, erosion, and deposition
Compaction and cementation
(Except do not model cementation)
How well did the crayon model represent nature’s process for sedimentary rock? Explain.
Metamorphic Rock
Great pressure caused by uplift and deformation
How well did the crayon model represent nature’s process for metamorphic rock? Explain.
Igneous Rock
Melting
Cooling and crystallization

Analysis and Conclusion:

1.  Overall how well did your designs resemble a rock cycle for the different rocks you made? Did any work better than others? Explain.

2.  Does your crayon model of the rock cycle have any limitations?

Explain your answer.

3.  Can you think of any other material that could work well or better to

create a model of the rock cycle? Explain.

4. Is it possible for a sedimentary rock to change into an igneous rock? _____

Is it possible for a metamorphic rock to change

Explain.

5. Is it possible for a metamorphic rock to change into a sedimentary rock ? ______

Explain.

6. Examine the diagram of the rock cycle below. It doesn’t have enough information on it to represent the rock cycle. Add more arrows and information to improve it.