The Rock Cycle

A Web Quest

Introduction:  We have been studying the Earth and rock cycle in class.  Most of what we have learned has come from our readings and class discussion, as well as a few activities.  This web quest is designed to help you gain a deeper understanding of the rock cycle by using internet resources.  You will be working on the tasks listed below independently.  Take your time to read through all information and directions.  Have fun!
 

Goals:  Upon completing this web quest, you will be able to...

bullet identify the three main rock types
bullet understand how a rock changes over time
bullet determine what is necessary for a rock to change over time
bullet have fun learning about the rock cycle

 

 Tasks:

bullet Visit and explore each of the sites listed in the resource section below.
bullet Print a copy of the Rock Cycle Story.  Use the resources and your knowledge to fill in the blanks with scientific words.
bullet Use your knowledge of rocks and the rock cycle to create a crossword puzzle that contains at least 10 clues.  Use the crossword site to create and print your completed crossword.  Make sure you spell the words correctly.  When you print the crossword, be sure to fill in the correct answers.
bullet "You Choose" - You may choose one of the following two tasks:  Choice one: create an acrostic poem about the rock cycle.  You may use sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic as the topic word of your poem.  The acrostic poem website will make writing your poem easier. Choice two: create a vocabulary matching worksheet.  Choose 15 rock cycle vocabulary words, list these words in one column and the mixed up definitions in a second column.  Be sure to provide the correct answers on your final copy.  These flashcards may be helpful to find some definitions or you may use the glossary from "This Planet Really Rocks".
bullet Create a children's story about the rock cycle using "voice."  Imagine yourself as a piece of sediment that undergoes changes as you complete the rock cycle.  Describe the changes you go through, the reasons you change, and the way you look as you move through the cycle.  Have fun and make your story interesting and exciting.  Plan for your story before writing it by creating an outline or web using kidspiration.  Write a rough draft and edit your work.  Your final story should be typed using the story template.  Remember to include a picture with your story.
bullet Keep yourself on track as you navigate through the web quest by printing a checklist.  Keep this checklist handy and check off the work as you complete it.  Turn in the checklist with all of your work when you are finished.

Resources:

This Planet Really Rocks - visit this site for some useful information about the rock cycle.  For a few extra points, visit the fun activities link at the bottom of the page and complete the "Name that Rock" or "Famous Rocks Scavenger Hunt" activities.  Write your responses on a piece of loose leaf paper (include the title of the activity) and include it with your project These extra points will not be awarded if any other web quest components are missing.

Interactive Rock Cycle - this site has great animations of the rock cycle.  The animations and mini quizzes will be helpful for you to understand the rock cycle.  Be sure to watch all of the animations and take the quizzes.  Record your quiz scores on the record sheet found at the bottom of the web quest checklist. After you have had time to review the entire site, test your skills by taking the assessment quiz.  This quiz has 15 questions and will record your results.  Print your results when you finish and include them with your work.

The Rock Cycle - this site has great information about the rock cycle.  At the end there is a "Monumental Stones" matching game you may play for fun.

Rock Cycle Animation - this site has a great animation of the rock cycle.  It will be helpful for you to watch the animation to see the rock cycle in action.