Fourth Grade Rock Cycle

Our fourth grade material meets Standards 4.P.2, 4.P.2.3, 4.E.2, and 4.E.2.3.

4.P.2--Understand the composition and properties of matter before and after they undergo a change or interaction.

4.P.2.3--Classify rocks as metamorphic, sedimentary or igneous based on their composition, how they are formed and the processes that create them.

4.E.2--Understand the use of fossils and changes in the surface of the earth as evidence of the history of Earth and its changing life forms.

4.E.2.3--Give examples of how the surface of the earth changes due to slow processes such as erosion and weathering, and rapid processes such as landslides, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes.

Classroom lessons provide a great introduction to the rock cycle. Lessons can include learning about weathering, erosion, and deposition, posters and examples, hands-on activities that show how rocks can change and move through the cycle and a game to help the students see various ways matter interacts and changes. 

Some options include:

What's the difference between weathering, erosion and deposition?

Visual example of different types of rocks

Rock Cycle Journey:  Students become a rock and travel through the rock cycle experiencing all the different events that can happen to them as they change.  This games includes two options for tracking their journey--a bead chain to turn into a bracelet and a written list to use as an extension for a written or journaling assignment. 

Mobius Strip:  Math and Science put together in an amazing hands-on project to see how the rock cycle has no beginning or end!

Rock Cycle Game:  In this "ships to shore" style game, students quickly move through stages of the rock cycle.  This is a high energy game and great to do in an outdoor space! 

Educational Poster Contest:  Fourth grade students are able to participate in our poster contest on a various theme each year, complete with prizes!   This is a great add-on for classwork or homework!