Rocks and Mineral
Extension Projects

Volcanoes- In learning how the Earth's surface changes through time, we studied volcanoes. At the end of our lesson, the students actually got to create their own volcano and cause an explosion with baking soda and vinegar!

Edible Rocks- In learning about the Rock Cycle, the students participated in a fun and edible lesson called Edible Rocks. We studied the three stages of rocks: Igneous, Metamorphic, and Sedimentary.

           Igneous- Igneous rock forms from hot, melted lava that cools and hardens into a rock. To simulate this, we melted chocolate chips and then put a "dollop" on wax paper. We smoothed it out under the wax paper and then put it in the freezer. When it came out, it was solidified into another shape!

            Metamorphic- Metamorphic rock forms when two or more types of rock merge together from pressure over time, as well as heat. To simulate this, each student received a piece of white bread and a piece of wheat bread. Using their fists to pound them, and rolling pins to merge them, students were able to combine the two "rocks" into one new flat "rock"!

            Sedimentary- Sedimentary rock forms when layers of "sediment" merge through time from pressure and heat. To simulate the layers, we first put down a layer of cookie dough in a pan. Then we added layers of chocolate chips, Kissables, raisins, white chocolate chunks, and sprinkles!!! To represent the "heat" we baked it and out came a delicious new rock!