Rock Cycle

This puzzle demonstrates the rock cycle, including rock types and the forces of change earth materials go through.

Grade Level: 1 - 8

Time: 5 - 15 minutes

Learning Standards: ESS2.A, MP.4, SL1, SL3, SL4, RF4

What are we learning?

This simple activity allows student to manipulate 10 arrow-shaped pieces into a circular puzzle that represents the "Rock Cycle"
Each piece shows an illustrative image of the relationship between sediments, pressure, heat, cooling, weathering and erosion and the resulting components of each.
When placed in the proper order, the pieces fit together and arrows indicate how the cyclical nature of sediment & rock allows for these materials to cycle over and over again.

Physical Puzzle: Printer (ideally color), paper (sturdy cardstock preferred), scissors or 3x5" index cards (in order to skip all the cutting!).
Digital Version: Online access to digital classroom - each student gets a copy

There are two ways to carry out this activity with students:

Physical Puzzle: Click the link above for a printable PDF version of the puzzle. Print as many color copies as you need and cut the puzzle yourself -OR- print the 3x5" cards below to use as puzzle pieces without all the cutting! Then the 10 puzzle pieces can be used to assemble the "Rock Cycle" in the proper order. (The PDF above can also serve as an answer key for the correctly assembled puzzle).
Digital Version: Make a copy of the Google Slide version of the puzzle and then play with students online - a copy can be made for each individual student to carry out the activity on their own, or you can do it together as a class/group.

Simple, hands-on manipulative puzzle - great for visual learners & pre-readers
Makes for a fun & easy craft if created as a cut & glue activity on background paper (can be labeled to reinforce vocabulary)