Assessment
- The summary tables and data sheets may be collected and graded.
- A quiz on different rocks and their formation may be appropriate. For example:
Match each statement to the type of rock being described:
a) sedimentary
b) igneous
c) metamorphic
______ 1. This type of rock is formed when eroded pieces of other rocks and minerals are compacted and cemented together.
______ 2. This type of rock is formed when other rocks are partially melted under high heat and pressure.
______ 3. This type of rock is formed when magma cools.
______ 4. This type of rock is often found in layers.
______ 5. This type of rock often has swirls, bands, veins, and crystals within it.
______ 6. This type of rock comes from volcanoes.
______ 7. Sandstone is an example of this type of rock.
______ 8. Basalt is an example of this type of rock.
______ 9. Granite is an example of this type of rock.
______ 10. The size of the particles that make up this type of rock tells you how fast the water was moving when the particles were deposited.
Going Further
- Now that students have some experience with making observations of rocks, give each student a mystery mineral to observe, identify, and research. They should complete a Rock History Data Sheet on it and use mineral identification guides to discover the identity and history of their mineral. To up the challenge, give students minerals or metals with a more complicated history like silver ore or a geode.
- To learn more about sedimentary rocks, try the Layers upon Layers lesson or make your own sedimentary rocks, described the Going Further section of the Crayon Rock Cycle lesson.
