- Candle
- Wire coat hanger
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- Have an adult unhook the wire hanger.
- Bend the wire back about thirty times. The wire will heat up so be careful with the hot wire.
- Press hot section of the wire against the candle. The candle will melt.
- This demonstrates that movement within the earth can create heat and pressure that can alter and change rocks.
- Metamorphic rocks form when rocks are subjected to high heat and high pressure. Conditions like these are found deep within the Earth or where tectonic plates meet.
Rock Transformers: Fun Facts about Metamorphic Rocks
Here are some fun facts about how metamorphic rocks are formed:
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Magical Transformations: Metamorphic rocks are created when existing rocks undergo incredible changes due to heat and pressure deep within the Earth's crust.
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Extreme Makeovers: The intense heat and pressure cause the minerals in the rocks to recrystallize and rearrange, resulting in new textures, structures, and sometimes even different minerals.
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Rocky Road Trip: Metamorphic rocks often have fascinating journeys. They can be formed deep underground and then brought to the surface through geological processes like uplift and erosion.
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Marvelous Metamorphosis: Common examples of metamorphic rocks include marble, which forms from limestone, and slate, which forms from shale. Each rock type has unique characteristics and uses.
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Dynamic Duo: Metamorphism can occur through contact or regional processes. Contact metamorphism happens when rocks come into direct contact with hot magma, while regional metamorphism occurs over larger areas due to tectonic forces.
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Pressure Power: The incredible pressure during metamorphism can even cause rocks to develop foliation, which is a layered or banded appearance. This makes them look like they have been gently folded, like pages in a book.
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Nature's Artistry: Metamorphic rocks showcase beautiful patterns, colors, and textures. They can be found in stunning formations such as gneiss with its alternating light and dark bands or schist with its shimmering mica flakes.
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Rock Detective: Geologists study metamorphic rocks to unlock Earth's history. By examining their textures and mineral composition, scientists can determine the conditions under which these rocks were formed and gain insights into the Earth's dynamic processes.
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Ancient Storytellers: Some metamorphic rocks, like gneiss, can be billions of years old, providing valuable clues about the Earth's geological past and the changes it has undergone.
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Endless Possibilities: Metamorphic rocks have various uses, ranging from beautiful sculptures and building materials to durable countertops and decorative stones.
Remember, metamorphic rocks are rock superheroes that undergo incredible transformations, revealing the incredible forces and changes our Earth has experienced throughout its history!
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How are metamorphic rocks formed? a) Through volcanic activity b) Through erosion and weathering c) Through intense heat and pressure d) Through deposition of sediment Correct answer: c) Through intense heat and pressure
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What is foliation in metamorphic rocks? a) The process of rock formation b) The presence of fossils in rocks c) The layering or banding of minerals in rocks d) The erosion of rocks by wind and water Correct answer: c) The layering or banding of minerals in rocks
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What can scientists learn from studying metamorphic rocks? a) The types of organisms that lived in ancient seas b) The age of the Earth c) The conditions under which the rocks were formed d) The composition of the Earth's atmosphere Correct answer: c) The conditions under which the rocks were formed