Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will understand how rocks change over time in a process called the Rock Cycle.

Materials and Prep

• Several different types of rocks (if available)
• A piece of chalk
• A small container with water
• A candle or access to a stove (with adult supervision)
• Paper and colored pencils
• Parental supervision for certain activities

Activities

• Rock Observation: Examine different types of rocks and describe their characteristics.
• Chalk Experiment: Draw a rock on a piece of paper using chalk. Then, pour water over it to observe what happens.
• Heat Experiment: Heat a rock near a flame (with adult supervision) and observe any changes that occur.
• Rock Cycle Drawing: Draw a fun comic strip showing the different stages of the rock cycle.

Talking Points

• What is the Rock Cycle?
  "The rock cycle is like a big recycling process for rocks. Rocks can change into different types over time."
• Types of Rocks:
  "There are three main types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Each type forms in different ways."
• How Rocks Change:
  "Rocks can change from one type to another through processes like heating, cooling, pressure, and erosion."
• Importance of the Rock Cycle:
  "The rock cycle helps us understand how Earth's surface changes and how different rocks are connected."