For the past couple of weeks, the kiddos have been learning about the different rock types: Sedimentary, Igneous, and Metamorphic Here are some of the hands-on activities we completed while learning about their differences... (All of the activities below come from AIMS Earth Rocks!.) ***************************************** Sedimentary Rocks Sedimentary rocks are formed from consolidated clay sediments. We made a model for how Sedimentary Rocks form using a jar, sand, dirt, rock fragments, and water. We put all of these ingredients together... ...and then shook them up really well. After 5 minutes of letting the jars sit still, the kiddos then drew their observations of the jars. Then we let the jars sit overnight... ...and observed/recorded what the jars looked like in the morning. After discussing why they looked different, the kiddos observed some sample of different Sedimentary rocks. ********************************************** Igneous Rocks Igneous rocks are formed from the solidification of molten magma. Now, we could not go to a volcano and watch magma cool, so we did an experiment with crystals instead. First, I tried to make a solution of saturated salt water, and then we put pip cleaners in the salt water, hoping to see crystals grow. It didn't happen. (I think the water did not have enough salt dissolved in it...) So, we did the next best thing... Using crystal kits from The Dollar Tree, we followed the kit directions for making the crystals, and then set them in different locations in the house. The kiddos observed and recorded their growth over the course of five days. Here are the results: Sample 1 grew on the counter top at room temperature, sample 2 grew in the refrigerator, and sample 3 grew in a desk drawer. Day 1 Day 3 Day 5 When the 5 days were over, the kiddos saw how temperature and location affected the crystal growth. Igneous rocks are the same way. Obsidian rock looks very different from pumice, and both are igneous. It all has to do with the speed the magma cools and the location of where it cools. Besides growing crystals, we also spent some time observing different types of Igneous rocks. ************************************************ Metamorphic Rocks Metamorphic rocks are rocks that are altered under pressure and heat. To get an idea of how these rocks are formed, we got to make a fun snack... I threw together some Rice Krispie treats with bits of Heath candy bars in them, and M&Ms on top of the them. The candy bits represented different sediments/layers in rocks before they under go extra pressure and heat. After each kiddo got a treat and recorded their observations, they wrapped the treats in aluminum foil. Then they squashed the treats and recorded their observations; stood on the treats and recorded their observations... ...and then ironed the treats ans recorded their observations. The treats definitely "morphed" under all the pressure and heat- but they still tasted good! ;0) After the treats... ...the kiddos looked at samples of real Metamorphic rocks, too. We are greatly enjoying our "Rock On!" study so far. Next week, I will be posting about some more fun ways we "ate up" information about these different rock forms... *************************************** Linking up with Science Sunday...