Types of Rocks (2/26-3/2)

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Summary

The three main types of rocks are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. These rocks are different and classified by how they look and how they are formed.

The first type of rock is a sedimentary rock. Sedimentary rocks are formed from particles of sand, pebbles, shells and other small bits of material, called sediments. The sediments gradually create layers and eventually harden into rock. Sedimentary rocks are pretty soft and may break apart easily. There are sediments visible in the rock, and this is the only rock that contains fossils. Some examples of sedimentary rocks are conglomerate and limestone.

Igneous rocks are formed when magma cools and hardens inside of the Earth. The magma cools either inside of the Earth or erupts from volcanoes in the form of lava. The magma cools very quickly and no crystals will form. This leaves the rock looking shiny and glass-like. Occasionally, when igneous rocks are cooling, gas bubbles get trapped in the rock which leaves tiny holes and spaces in the rock. Some examples of igneous rocks are basalt and obsidian.

Metamorphic rocks are formed under the surface of the earth from the change (metamorphosis) which is due the high heat, and pressure. Metamorphic rocks have ribbon-like layers or shiny crystals from minerals slowly growing over time on their surface of the rock. Some examples of metamorphic rocks include gneiss and marble. If you have ever seen marble, you would know the ribbon-like layers and possibly crystals that classify this rock.

SP3: Planning and Carrying out Investigations

In class, we planned and carried out our investigation to see how the different rocks are formed due to weathering and erosion, heat and pressure, compacting and cementing, melting, or cooling. Some questions that we asked during this investigation were "what factors contribute to the forming of various types of rocks, and "what are some of the differences between each type of rock?" This investigation has helped us understand how the different types of rocks are formed and the differences between them.

XCC: Cause and Effect

A cause and effect relationship that I noticed in class is between what factors create the rocks, and the rocks themself. For example, the cause of heat and pressure leads to the effect of metamorphic rocks formed. This is the same for igneous rocks. The cause is when the magma cools, leading to the creation of igneous rocks. We tested this relationship in class when we did an investigation by adding heat and pressure to starbust and see what the outcome (or rock) would be. This relationship has helped me understand more about the rock cycle and how it works.

Multiplier

This week, I was a wanderer. Whenever I learned something new or made an observation about the experiment, I shared it with my group. I shared my notes and ideas on the topic and contributed to the class disscussion. In my group, we shared our ideas and knowledge so that we could all understand the rock cycle. Being a wanderer has helped everyone in our gorup learn and understand more about the topic.

Here is the experiment that we did in class: