Types of Rocks

Step into the stunning world of Yosemite National Park in this interactive escape room adventure! Explore the fascinating world of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks as you journey through hidden lava chambers, fossil-filled canyons, and glowing crystalline caverns.

Your mission: uncover the secrets of Yosemite’s geologic wonders by solving puzzles, deciphering clues, and navigating challenges. Along the way, you'll use an Adventure Guide video, packed with key information and tips, to help you crack the mysteries of Earth’s dynamic rock cycle. This thrilling online experience combines fun, learning, and problem-solving as you become a true rock cycle expert! Will you complete the mission and escape with newfound knowledge?

Elementary Lesson Plan: Types of Rocks (Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic)

Grade Level: Elementary
Time Required: 1 Hour

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Identify and describe the three main types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
2. Explain how each type of rock is formed in the rock cycle.
3. Use their knowledge to classify rocks based on their characteristics.
4. Successfully complete challenges in an online escape room as an engaging assessment.

Materials Needed

• Instructional Video (for reference during the lesson)
• Online Escape Room
• Printable Worksheet (for optional additional assessment)

Relevant Vocabulary

1. Igneous – Rocks formed from cooled magma or lava.
2. Sedimentary – Rocks formed from compressed and cemented layers of sediment.
3. Metamorphic – Rocks transformed by heat and pressure.
4. Fossil – Preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, often found in sedimentary rocks.
5. Rock Cycle – The process of rock transformation between igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic forms.

Lesson Procedure

1. Introduction (10 Minutes)

• Begin by introducing the three types of rocks and their formation processes. Use examples to make connections to real-world geological features (e.g., granite for igneous, sandstone for sedimentary, and marble for metamorphic).
• Explain the relevance of studying rocks in understanding Earth’s history and processes.

2. Instructional Video (10 Minutes)

• Play the Adventure Guide instructional video that explains igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
• Encourage students to take notes or jot down key facts they find interesting, as the information will help them during the escape room challenges.

3. Online Escape Room (20 Minutes)

• Guide students to the online escape room where they will apply their knowledge to solve puzzles and challenges in each of the three sub-settings:
  • The Hidden Lava Chamber (Igneous Rocks)
  • The Fossil Canyon Trail (Sedimentary Rocks)
  • The Crystalline Cavern (Metamorphic Rocks)
• Emphasize that they can revisit the video using the “Adventure Guide” button if they need help with a question.

4. Wrap-Up Discussion (5 Minutes)

• Discuss what the students learned and what they found most interesting or challenging during the escape room.
• Highlight how each type of rock connects to the larger rock cycle.

5. Optional Worksheet (Assessment Extension)

• Provide a downloadable worksheet with questions that align with the lesson’s vocabulary and concepts for students who need additional assessment or practice.

Assessment

• Completion of the online escape room serves as the primary assessment of student understanding.
• Use the downloadable worksheet for students needing further evaluation or reinforcement of concepts.

Teacher Notes

• The video and escape room are designed to complement each other. Encourage students to rely on the video as a reference tool during the escape room.
• Adjust timing as needed based on student engagement and understanding.

Teacher Reference Guide: Types of Rocks (Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic)

Rocks are classified into three main types based on how they form: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Igneous rocks form when molten rock (magma or lava) cools and solidifies. If the cooling happens beneath Earth’s surface, the rocks are called intrusive igneous rocks, which have larger crystals due to slow cooling, like granite. If the cooling happens above ground, the rocks are called extrusive igneous rocks, which cool quickly and have smaller crystals, like basalt or obsidian.

Sedimentary rocks are created from the accumulation and compaction of sediments such as sand, silt, clay, and organic material over time. These rocks often form in layers, with each layer representing a snapshot of Earth’s history. Fossils, or preserved remains of ancient organisms, are commonly found in sedimentary rocks. Examples include sandstone, shale, and limestone. These rocks provide valuable clues about the environments in which they formed, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Metamorphic rocks are formed when existing rocks—igneous, sedimentary, or even other metamorphic rocks—are subjected to extreme heat and pressure deep within the Earth. This process, called metamorphism, transforms the original rock into a new type, with changes in texture and mineral composition. Foliation (layering or banding) may develop as minerals align under pressure, as seen in rocks like slate. Non-foliated metamorphic rocks, such as marble, do not show this pattern. Parent rocks are the original rocks that undergo this transformation; for instance, limestone becomes marble, and shale becomes slate.

The rock cycle ties these types of rocks together, demonstrating how they can transform from one type to another over time. For example, an igneous rock can break down into sediments that form sedimentary rock, or it can be buried and subjected to heat and pressure to become a metamorphic rock. The rock cycle illustrates the dynamic and continuous processes that shape our planet.

Encourage students to use these concepts during the lesson and escape room challenges. Remind them that they can refer back to the Adventure Guide video at any time for additional guidance. By understanding the unique characteristics and formation processes of each rock type, students will be better equipped to navigate the escape room and demonstrate their mastery of the topic.

Answer Sheet for Teacher Reference

The Hidden Lava Chamber (Igneous Rocks)

1. What are igneous rocks made from?

   • A) Magma or lava

2. Where do intrusive igneous rocks form?

   • A) Below the Earth’s surface

3. Which rock cools faster: intrusive or extrusive igneous rocks?

   • A) Extrusive

4. Why do extrusive igneous rocks have small crystals?

   • A) They cool quickly on the surface.

5. Which of these rocks is formed when lava cools quickly and becomes glassy?

   • A) Obsidian

The Fossil Canyon Trail (Sedimentary Rocks)

1. Sedimentary rocks form from layers of sediment that are pressed together over time.

   • True

2. All sedimentary rocks contain fossils.

   • False

3. Sandstone is an example of a sedimentary rock.

   • True

4. Sedimentary rocks form deep inside the Earth where heat and pressure are strongest.

   • False

5. The layers in sedimentary rocks can tell us about the environment where the rock formed.

   • True

The Crystalline Cavern (Metamorphic Rocks)

1. What creates metamorphic rocks?

   • A) Heat and pressure

2. Which of these is an example of a metamorphic rock?

   • A) Marble

3. What is the original rock, or "parent rock," that marble comes from?

   • A) Limestone

4. What happens to the minerals in a rock during metamorphism?

   • A) They reorganize and sometimes form layers called foliation.

5. Which of the following best describes how slate is formed?

   • A) Shale is exposed to heat and pressure, transforming into slate.