Continue with Microsoft TeamsThe Rock Cycle
Perform this activity as a class to see how the rock cycle works. Before you start, review the rock cycle. Then read the questions on the next page and answer them during the activity.
Be sure your teacher or another adult does Step 9.
What You Need
- 3 or 4 crayons of different colours
- A crayon sharpener or a regular table knife
- A piece of aluminum foil 20 cm by 30 cm
- Several heavy books
- A candle and matches
- A clothespin
- A dish of cold water (optional)
What You Do
- Fold the aluminum foil in half lengthwise and flatten the crease.
- Use the crayon sharpener or a table knife to create crayon shavings. Let the shavings drop onto the middle of the aluminum foil. Create a pile of shavings that is about 6 cm by 6 cm and 1 to 2 cm thick.
- Fold the aluminum foil over the shavings. Fold the edges so no shavings can fall out.
- Place the foil packet on a book and place one or two heavy books on top of it. Wait 2 to 3 minutes.
- Carefully open the packet and observe what changes have taken place.
- Wrap the crayon material in the foil as before. Add one or two more heavy books. Have two or three students take turns increasing the pressure by pushing down on the books.
- Open the packet and observe any changes.
- Rewrap the crayon in the foil and make sure all edges are carefully folded.
- Use a clothespin to hold the foil packet over a lit candle for 2 to 3 minutes to melt the crayon. Let the packet cool. (Put it in a dish of cold water to make it cool faster.)
- Open the packet. Observe any changes.
Show What You Know!
Complete some questions about the reading selection by clicking “Begin Questions” below.
