his investigation is divided into three parts. In each part you will put the same "rock" material through different processes.

Question

Part 1
1. Cut the "rock" material into small pieces and seal the pieces in the Ziplock bag.
2. Fold aluminum foil around the bag to form a flat parcel.
3. Press down with your hand to flatten the parcel. You could also place a heavy book on the parcel or even stand on it.
4. Remove the aluminum foil and observe the "rock" formed. Keep the Ziplock bag sealed.

Part 2
5. With the "rock" material still sealed in the Ziplock bag, squeeze and knead the bag with your fingers. Your hands will also warm up the bag and its contents.
6. Stop kneading when the pieces start to merge together. Keep the Ziplock bag sealed.

Part 3
7. Use the kettle to boil water and half fill one of the 500 mL beakers.
8. Place ice cubes into the other 500 mL beaker and half fill with cold water.
9. With the "rock" material still sealed in the ziplock bag, place the bag into the hot water.
10. Leave for about 2 minutes or until the material has melted.
11. Remove the bag and place it into the ice water for about 2 minutes or until the material has hardened.
12. Remove the "rock" material from the ziplock bag.



Results and discussion:
1. Summarize how the part 1 method reflects the rock cycle.

Cutting the material into small pieces represents _________
The small pieces represent ______
Pressing down on the aluminum foil represents ________
The final product represents __________

2. Summarize how the part 2 method reflects the rock cycle.

Squeezing, kneading and warming with hands represents _______
The final product represents ______________

3. Summarize how the part 3 method reflects the rock cycle.

Placing in hot water represents _______
The melted product represents _______
Placing in ice water represents _______
The final product represents _________

4. Compare the sedimentary rock and metamorphic rock you created in your model. Identify at least one similarity and one difference.

5. Compare the igneous rock and metamorphic rock you created in your model. Identify at least one similarity and one difference.

Answer 1

Results and Discussion

1. Part 1 Method and the Rock Cycle

   • Cutting the material into small pieces represents weathering and erosion, where large rocks are broken down into smaller fragments.
   • The small pieces represent sediments, which are the result of the weathering process that accumulate and may be compacted over time.
   • Pressing down on the aluminum foil represents compaction and cementation, processes that combine sediments under pressure to form sedimentary rock.
   • The final product represents sedimentary rock, formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediments.

2. Part 2 Method and the Rock Cycle

   • Squeezing, kneading, and warming with hands represents metamorphism, as application of heat and pressure can change the structure and composition of rocks.
   • The final product represents metamorphic rock, created by the alteration of existing rock material under heat and pressure without melting.

3. Part 3 Method and the Rock Cycle

   • Placing in hot water represents melting, where solid rock material undergoes change into a liquid state due to extreme heat.
   • The melted product represents magma or lava, which is the molten rock composed of various minerals.
   • Placing in ice water represents rapid cooling and solidification, a process that turns magma or lava into solid rock.
   • The final product represents igneous rock, formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.

4. Comparison of Sedimentary Rock and Metamorphic Rock

   • Similarity: Both sedimentary rocks and metamorphic rocks can form from previously existing rocks. Sedimentary rocks are formed from accumulated sediments, while metamorphic rocks are formed from the alteration of existing rocks under heat and pressure.
   • Difference: Sedimentary rocks are usually layered and may contain fossils, while metamorphic rocks typically show altered textures and mineral compositions due to metamorphism and are not commonly layered like sedimentary rocks.

5. Comparison of Igneous Rock and Metamorphic Rock

   • Similarity: Both igneous rocks and metamorphic rocks originate from pre-existing material—igneous rocks from molten rock (magma/lava) and metamorphic rocks from existing rocks (either igneous, sedimentary, or other metamorphic rocks).
   • Difference: Igneous rocks are formed through the cooling and solidification of magma or lava, typically exhibiting a crystalline texture. In contrast, metamorphic rocks are formed through changes in existing rocks due to heat and pressure, which can lead to foliation and other textural changes without melting the original material.