Science.6.10.C

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The student is expected to describe how metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary rocks form and change through geologic processes in the rock cycle.
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Knowledge and Skills Statement

Earth and space. The student understands the rock cycle and the structure of Earth.

An igneous rock such as basalt may break down and dissolve when exposed to the atmosphere or melt as it is subducted under a continent. Due to the driving forces of the rock cycle, plate tectonics, and the water cycle, rocks do not remain in equilibrium and change as they encounter new environments. Each rock type is altered when it is forced out of its equilibrium conditions.

rock that is created by cooling lava on Earth's surface (extrusive) or magma that cools or solidifies in the crust of Earth (intrusive)

rock that has been modified from existing rock by heat and pressure

a natural phenomenon marked by gradual changes that lead toward a particular result; a continuing natural or biological activity or function

describes transitions through geologic time among the three main rock types: sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous; explains how the three rock types are related to each other and how processes change from one type to another over time

rock that has formed through the deposition and solidification of sediment through the processes of compaction, cementation by heat, and pressure

Research

Molino-Walters, Debi, and Jill Cox. “Chipping Away at the Rock Cycle.” Science Scope 32, no. 6 (February 2009): 66–68. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43183836.

Summary: Using a hands-on investigation, students explore the rock cycle.