Rocks, Minerals & the Rock Cycle Learning Pack
Rocks are made of minerals, and rocks can slowly change from one type into another. This pack teaches the three main rock types, the processes that change them and how geologists observe a rock sample.
- Ages
- 6–10
- Grades
- 1–4 (approx.)
- Subject
- Earth Science
- Pages
- 8 printable pages
- Time
- 30–75 minutes
- Price
- Free, no sign-up
What children will learn
- ✓ The difference between a rock and a mineral
- ✓ Igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks
- ✓ Weathering, erosion, heat, pressure, melting and cooling
- ✓ Why the rock cycle has many possible pathways
What's inside the pack
- ✓ Cover page
- ✓ Learning objectives
- ✓ Five geology facts with USGS and British Geological Survey sources
- ✓ Geology vocabulary (9 words)
- ✓ Types of rocks worksheet (granite, sandstone, gneiss)
- ✓ Rock cycle pathways + Rock detective observation activity
- ✓ Five-question quiz with bonus question
- ✓ Answer key
- ✓ Teacher and parent notes with a rock observation lab
How to use it
Look at real rocks with a magnifying glass if you have them; otherwise use the drawings on page 4. The teacher notes include a rock observation lab with safety rules.
Want more pictures on this topic? Browse the matching coloring collection, or find more classroom printables in the Teacher Resource Centre.
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Science sources
The facts in this pack were checked against these sources, which are also printed inside the PDF.
Questions parents and teachers ask
Is the rock cycle one fixed loop?
No. The diagram shows example pathways, and rocks can change in other ways too.
Can children tell a rock's type from its color?
Not on its own. The rock detective page looks at texture, grain size, layers and crystals as well.
Which paper sizes?
US Letter and A4.
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