rocks
Rocks Made Simple: The Science of Stones
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Rocks Made Simple: The Science of Stones
What do you already know about rocks?
Learning Objective
At the end of the lesson you will be able to identify the three main types of rocks, explain how each is formed, and recognise the rock cycle.
What Are Rocks?
Rocks are solid, natural substances made up of minerals. They form the Earth's crust and come in many shapes and sizes.
Three Main Types of Rocks
Rocks are sorted into three groups: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
Igneous Rocks
Formed from cooled lava or magma. Examples include granite and basalt.
Sedimentary Rocks
Made from layers of sediment pressed together. Examples: sandstone, limestone.
Metamorphic Rocks
Created when existing rocks change due to heat or pressure. Examples: marble, slate.
How Rocks Change: The Rock Cycle
The rock cycle shows how rocks transform from one type to another over time.
Types of Changes
Turns rocks into metamorphic rocks. Deep within Earth, rocks get squashed and heated.
Heat & Pressure
Breaks rocks down into small bits, which form sedimentary rocks.
Weathering & Erosion
Fast Fact: Earth's Oldest Rocks
Some rocks on Earth are over 4 billion years old! Studying rocks helps us learn about our planet's history.
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How Do We Use Rocks?
People use rocks for building, art, and even in medicine. Granite is used for countertops, while chalk is used by teachers.
Spotlight: Famous Rocks
Famous examples include Stonehenge (built from sarsen rocks) and the Giant’s Causeway (made from basalt columns).
Quick Quiz: Test Your Knowledge
Can you name one example of each main rock type?
Summary
Rocks are grouped as igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic. They constantly change in a natural cycle and are an important part of our world.
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Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.
Write down 2 things you want to know more about.
Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.
