What Is the Rock Cycle?

  • Interest Level: Grade 3 - Grade 6
  • Reading Level: Grade 4

What is the Rock Cycle describes the natural transformation of one type of rock into others. Beginning with igneous rocks made in volcanic eruptions, rock is weathered and eroded gradually to form a sediment. This sediment is then deposited and pressed into layers making sedimentary rocks. These in turn are transformed by heat and pressure into metamorphic rocks. Heat makes these melt into magma which, together with molten rock from the core of the Earth, make new igneous rocks.

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Interest Level Grade 3 - Grade 6
Reading Level Grade 4
Age Range 8 - 11
Dewey 552
Lexile IG940L
ATOS Reading Level 6.4
Guided Reading Level S
Subjects Earth and Space Science
Genres Nonfiction
Publisher Crabtree Publishing
Imprint Crabtree Classics
Copyright 2011
Number of Pages 32
Dimensions 8.5 x 11
Graphics
BISACS JNF037060, JNF051080, JNF051000
Rights Included WORLD
Language English

What Is the Rock Cycle? - Children's Literature

Rocks start out as molten magma inside the Earth, and the rock cycle often starts with a volcano. As magma cools and turns solid, igneous rocks are created. As nature wears away at the rocks, bits of sediment drop off. As layers of sediment build up, sedimentary rocks are created. Metamorphic rocks, in contrast, are created through intense heat. Hyde writes in a clear, concise fashion that will also generate interest in every-day uses of rock, whether she is discussing how sedimentary rocks sand and gravel can be mined to make cement and concrete, or how marble, a metamorphic rock, was used to create Michelangelo’s David. This is the most comprehensive book in the “Let’s Rock” series from Crabtree, and should be used as a starting point for other lessons about the types of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. There are activities like “Hot or Not,” designed to teach children about crystal formation, and “Mix It Up,” which uses plaster of Paris and sand to create a conglomerate rock. A thirty-seven word glossary provides a solid reference tool. In all, this would be the preferable choice for elementary school classrooms or libraries that need a book about rocks. Reviewer: Elizabeth Leis-Newman

Author: Natalie Hyde