Name: Samantha Simmon Date: 2/16/21
Student Exploration: Rock Classification
Directions: Follow the instructions to go through the simulation. Respond to the questions and
prompts in the orange boxes.
Vocabulary: classify, extrusive igneous rock, foliation, fossil, igneous rock, intrusive igneous rock,
metamorphic rock, mineral, sedimentary rock, strata, texture
Prior Knowledge Questions (Do these BEFORE using the Gizmo.)
When you classify objects, you organize them into groups based on common characteristics.
1. What are some different ways you could You can classify them by
classify these marbles? their size, shape or color.
2. What characteristics do you think scientists I think scientists classify
use to classify rocks? rocks by its composition
Gizmo Warm-up
Rocks are classified by how they formed. The three types are:
● Igneous rocks form from cooling magma or lava.
● Sedimentary rocks form from the bonding of rock fragments such as
sand, silt, or clay; from organic materials; and from chemicals
dissolved in water.
● Metamorphic rocks form when other rocks are changed by heat and
pressure.
In the Rock Classification Gizmo, you will get to explore these three types of
rocks. Think about how each type of rock is formed.
1. Fossils are the remains of ancient plants and animals. Which type of rock do you think is most likely to
contain fossils?
Sedimentary
2. Foliation occurs when minerals are flattened by heat and pressure. This results in a layered or banded
texture. Which type of rock do you think is foliated?
Metamorphic
3. Air pockets can form in rapidly cooling magma or lava. In which type of rock would you expect air pockets?
Igneous
Student Exploration: Rock Classification
Directions: Follow the instructions to go through the simulation. Respond to the questions and
prompts in the orange boxes.
Vocabulary: classify, extrusive igneous rock, foliation, fossil, igneous rock, intrusive igneous rock,
metamorphic rock, mineral, sedimentary rock, strata, texture
Prior Knowledge Questions (Do these BEFORE using the Gizmo.)
When you classify objects, you organize them into groups based on common characteristics.
1. What are some different ways you could You can classify them by
classify these marbles? their size, shape or color.
2. What characteristics do you think scientists I think scientists classify
use to classify rocks? rocks by its composition
Gizmo Warm-up
Rocks are classified by how they formed. The three types are:
● Igneous rocks form from cooling magma or lava.
● Sedimentary rocks form from the bonding of rock fragments such as
sand, silt, or clay; from organic materials; and from chemicals
dissolved in water.
● Metamorphic rocks form when other rocks are changed by heat and
pressure.
In the Rock Classification Gizmo, you will get to explore these three types of
rocks. Think about how each type of rock is formed.
1. Fossils are the remains of ancient plants and animals. Which type of rock do you think is most likely to
contain fossils?
Sedimentary
2. Foliation occurs when minerals are flattened by heat and pressure. This results in a layered or banded
texture. Which type of rock do you think is foliated?
Metamorphic
3. Air pockets can form in rapidly cooling magma or lava. In which type of rock would you expect air pockets?
Igneous
