By Susan M. Frack
This activity will introduce the three types of rocks in a 'tasty' way.
For each group of 3-4 students you will need a basket containing:
- 1/2 c peanut butter
- 12 crackers
- knife
- 12 pieces of saltwater taffy
- 8 pieces of waxed paper
- 4 paper towels
- 1/2 c melted almond bark/similar candy candy molds--available at craft stores for a small cost spoon
PROCEDURE:
- Define sedimentary rocks to students. Have them make cracker/p. butter stacks to show the layers in sedimentary rocks.
- Introduce and define metamorphic rocks. Have students take/choose 3 pieces of taffy and 2 pieces of waxed paper. Unwrap the taffy and stack them up on 1 piece of waxed paper. Cover with the other waxed paper and press down. Discuss their "metamorphic rocks".
- Introduce and define igneous rocks. Have students spoon melted/molten candy into the molds. As it cools and hardens, it takes on the shape of the mold. Students can break the candy and look for any crystals of sugar.
- Finish the lesson by calling out the type of rock and having the students hold up the correct rock model they have make. Then eat the rock creations.