Rock sorting activity by https://padlet.com/peta_sheppard/8njid3kc73na en-us 2018-10-05 05:36:25 UTC 2026-03-25 00:42:25 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Lightdecrease.png Rocks can in many different shapes and sizes. They can also be sorted into three main groups: igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary.In this sorting activity, you will classify the rock samples while learning about their appearance and how they are formed. peta_sheppard https://padlet.com/peta_sheppard/8njid3kc73na/wish/289462437 Three Types of Rock:
  • Igneous (Volcanic)
  • Metamorphic (Changed)
  • Sedimentary (Layered)

Rock Classification:
  • Igneous - Igneous rocks are formed from cooled lava. They may have crystals, air bubbles or a glassy surface. They can also appear hard and dense
  • Metamorphic - Changed by heat and pressure, sometimes split into many layers that look like a stack of pancakes with different mineral grains running through the rock.
  • Sedimentary - Often formed from mud or sand settling at the bottom of water. The rock may contain fossils, have wavy horizontal lines, layers, grains you can see or be dusty.

Activity Instructions:
  • In groups of three, collect a container of rocks as well as a worksheet to complete. 
  • Investigate each rock sample, write the characteristics you notice on the worksheet and sort the rocks into what you think is the correct type, igneous, metamorphic or sedimentary.
  • Once the rocks have been sorted, ask another group to confirm that you have correctly names the rocks and the rock type they are a part of. 
  • Which were the hardest to sort and why?
Rock Pictures:
  • For a better idea of what these rock types look like, check out the example pictures of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks.
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