Sources
The best write up for the crayon rock cycle activity is available from Eric Muller of the Exploratorium’s Teacher Institute. Go to The Crayon Rock Cycle. Eric has developed many other fantastic activities, particularly for Earth Science.
For additional information about the rock cycle, go to:
Sodium silicate solution (also called water glass) can be purchased from most science supply companies such as Flinn Scientific and Science Kit & Boreal Labs. A 500 ml bottle costs $5-6. Sometimes it can be found at marine supply stores in quart sized containers for sealing the outside of boats.
Standards
Grade 6
Plate Tectonics and Earth's Structure
Plate tectonics accounts for important features of Earth's surface and major geologic events. As a basis for understanding this concept:
a Students know evidence of plate tectonics is derived from the fit of the continents; the location of earthquakes, volcanoes, and midocean ridges; and the distribution of fossils, rock types, and ancient climatic zones.
Shaping Earth's Surface
Topography is reshaped by the weathering of rock and soil and by the transportation and deposition of sediment. As a basis for understanding this concept:
a Students know water running downhill is the dominant process in shaping the landscape, including California's landscape.
b Students know rivers and streams are dynamic systems that erode, transport sediment, change course, and flood their banks in natural and recurring patterns.