General Science Extension Activities Lesson 7
Rock Cycle
Show a Rock Cycle Image
Show a rock cycle diagram and give a brief explanation.
The Rock Cycle Song – 3:00
A fun song about the rock cycle.
The Rock Cycle | Sedimentary, Metamorphic, Igneous – 3:49
An educational video explaining the rock cycle and the three main types of rock.
Make a Model of Sedimentary Rocks
Sedimentary rocks are created by pressure. A fun hands-on project is to take small soft pieces of something and compress them into a new “rock.” Materials that work well are crayon shavings or chewy candies. Place the pieces between sheets of wax or parchment paper and have students compress them by hand, foot, or with a heavy book. It is harder than it seems to make a solid rock!
Volcanoes
Volcanic Eruptions – 1:59
Rapid changes to the Earth’s surface — volcanic eruptions.
The Street Beneath My Feet – 6:00
A read-aloud of The Street Beneath My Feet by Charlotte Guillain and Yuval Zommer.
Dirt Lesson
Where Does Soil Come From? – 4:11
Watch this video about where soil comes from.
Three Kinds of Soil
Sand – Small pieces of rock (found on beaches, in deserts, and riverbeds).
Silt – Smaller than sand; easily carried in water.
Clay – Smaller than silt. Sticky or stiff when wet.
Soil Layering Experiment
Try layering sand, silt, and clay in different orders in transparent cups. Pour water over the layers to see the effect on drainage.
Geodes
Explore Crystals Inside Geodes
Geodes are rocks that contain crystals inside. Use a hammer and safety goggles to carefully break them open and discover the beautiful crystals within. This activity helps children understand geological formations and crystal growth.
Consider purchasing a geode kit for a safe and educational experience. A recommended option is the National Geographic Break Open 10 Premium Geodes kit (includes goggles, display stands, and a learning guide).
You will also need towels, small hammers, and baggies for the activity.
Build Terrariums
Build Terrariums with Elements from All 4 Spheres
Build terrariums that include elements from all four of Earth’s spheres.