Uncover the dynamic processes that shape our planet in this exploration of the rock cycle. From molten magma to weathered sediments, discover how igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks form and transform over time. Designed to meet middle school Next Generation Science Standards, this digital product includes both a Teacher Edition and Student Edition, encouraging close observation and curiosity about the world beneath our feet.
Optional, but Recommended Activity:
Scott Resources 2743 - What Rock Is It? Geology Classroom Project Kit
Storyline: Rocks (Teacher & Student Edition)
ZIP file containing 3 PDF files
(1 Teacher Edition, 1 Student Edition, 1 Science Outside Terms and Conditions)
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):
Rock Cycle (ESS2.A - Earth's Materials and Systems)
Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) for the rock cycle:
● ESS2.A: Earth’s Materials and Systems
○ The rock cycle involves the transformation of rocks between three main types: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic, driven by processes such as cooling, weathering, pressure, and heat.
○ These processes occur on a timescale ranging from minutes to millions of years and are part of the dynamic system that shapes Earth's surface.Relevant NGSS Standards:
● 3-ESS2-1: Represent data in graphical displays to reveal patterns of Earth’s features.
○ Example: Students can explore patterns in the types of rocks found in different locations on Earth to understand the rock cycle.
● 4-ESS2-1: Make observations and/or measurements of Earth’s features to identify patterns.
○ Example: Students investigate how different types of rocks form, using observation and measurements of rock features.
● MS-ESS2-3: Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth’s materials and the flow of energy that drives this process.
○ Example: Middle school students can create a model to explain how rocks are transformed through processes such as weathering, sedimentation, and metamorphism.
● HS-ESS2-2: Analyze and interpret data on the distribution of fossils and rocks to provide evidence of past plate motions.
○ Example: High school students use fossil and rock evidence to understand the movement of Earth's plates and the effects on the rock cycle.Key Crosscutting Concepts:
● Patterns: Recognizing patterns in geological data (e.g., distribution of rock types, earthquakes, volcanoes, etc.) helps us understand the processes of the rock cycle and plate tectonics.
● Cause and Effect: Understanding how the movement of tectonic plates causes the formation of geological features and drives the rock cycle.
● Energy and Matter: Energy from Earth’s internal processes drives the movement of tectonic plates and the cycling of materials through the rock cycle.