40

Lesson 40 of 84 ยท Plate Tectonics

Experimentโญ 30 XP

Types of Rocks: Igneous (Part 2)

๐ŸงชLab Brief #40

Plate Tectonics.

๐ŸŽฏ Your mission

Predict it first. Then prove yourself right (or wrong).

โšก The twist

Nature loves to surprise the careful watcher.

๐Ÿคฏ

Mind = Blown

๐Ÿ”ฌ The more you look, the more nature shows you.

๐Ÿ”ฎ

Make a hypothesis first

Before you start: write down what you think will happen, and why.

What You'll Learn

Sedimentary rocks form in layers, with the oldest layers at the bottom. Geologists use these layers to determine the relative age of rocks and the fossils they contain.

Key Words

  • volcano
  • atmosphere
  • humidity

Materials Needed

  • thermometer
  • rain gauge
  • cotton balls
  • food coloring
  • clear container
  • rocks

Safety First

  • Adult supervision recommended.

Steps

Step 1 โ€” Read

Study the diagram and label the parts you recognize.

Step 2 โ€” Do

Set up a weather station: use a thermometer, rain gauge (a jar with a ruler), and wind sock (a plastic bag on a stick). Record data for one week.

Step 3 โ€” Observe

Draw a detailed diagram of what you observe.

Step 4 โ€” Record

Write a conclusion: what did your results show? Did they match your prediction?

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

What are the three types of rocks?

๐ŸŒ

Where you see this in real life

This shows up in your everyday life more than you'd think.

๐Ÿ†

Stretch Challenge

Try this in real life this week.

Try one experiment in real life this week โ€” even a tiny one.

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ง

For the dinner table

โ€œWhat's the most surprising thing you learned today?โ€

๐ŸŽฏ

Next Smart Experiment

We'll pick an experiment that matches exactly how you're thinking right now.

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Share this experiment

Send it to a parent who's looking for a 10-minute kitchen science win.

๐Ÿ–จ๏ธ

Checkout complete lesson on Plate Tectonics for 6th Grade

Get the full Plate Tectonics track as a printable PDF โ€” all lessons, worksheets, and answer keys.

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