Science KS 3 Unit 8H The rock cycle

In this unit pupils:

• learn about the major rock-forming processes.
• learn how rock-forming processes are linked by the rock cycle.
• use the concept of rock texture as one of the key characteristics of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
• relate processes observed in other contexts, eg crystallisation, to processes involved in the rock cycle.
• consider processes operating on different timescales.

In scientific enquiry pupils:

• model rock-forming processes.
• investigate a technique for comparing the composition of limestone, evaluating different approaches.
• investigate differences between igneous rocks using both first-hand and secondary data.

This unit is expected to take approximately 7.5 hours.

OTHER RESOURCES

• a collection of rocks, either one available commercially or one compiled by the department, eg conglomerates, sandstone, limestone, chalk, mudstone, shale, slate, marble, quartz, granite, gabbro, basalt, pumice, obsidian, some of which are typical of their type and some of which have unusual features
• data showing relative density and composition of igneous rocks, eg basalt, pumice, obsidian
• data showing where volcanoes of different kinds are found
• cards/labels showing processes and examples of products of the rock cycle