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Contributor: Roxann Penny. Lesson ID: 12763
OK, rocks. Big deal. They are all over the place, so what's so special about them? Well, there's a song about rocks, and rocks have interesting life stories! Get to know the rocks around your house!
If you have ever dreamed of becoming a rock star, look no further!
In this lesson, you will be introduced to the world's top three rock stars and learn the secrets to their rocking success!
Meet the planet's three categories of rocks (you may consider them your rock stars for this lesson).
These rocks can be found all around us. Some may be buried beneath the earth's surface, while others may be atop the highest mountain. Wherever they are, rocks have been around for a very long time.
Geologists (people who study rocks) consider rocks natural resources formed from heat, pressure, or a combination of both.
Take a closer look at the different rock classifications. You should know that each type of rock is different from another and was formed differently.
Introducing . . . Sedimentary Rock!
Sedimentary rocks are formed when layers of sediment (i.e., particles of sand, shells, and pebbles) are compressed over time.
Sedimentary rocks are generally soft and may crumble very easily.
Most fossils are usually found in this type of rock.
A closeup look at pieces of sedimentary rock will sometimes reveal bits of sand, pebbles, or stone.
Limestone, sandstone, and chalk are sedimentary rocks.
Meet . . . Igneous Rock!
Igneous rock forms when lava from volcanoes cools and hardens.
Magma can also cool deep beneath the earth, forming igneous rocks.
Granite and basalt are types of igneous rock.
Get to know . . . Metamorphic Rock!
Metamorphic rocks are formed beneath the earth's surface.
Intense heat and pressure beneath the earth help from this type of rock.
Metamorphic rocks often contain crystal particles with ribbon-like layers.
Marble, quartzite, and slate are metamorphic rocks.
Learn more about the three classifications of rocks with the following video.
Next, explore these flash cards.
Write down your answers to the following questions.
When you are done, rock on to Got It? to learn more about rock classifications.
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