Science·Volcanoes & Earthquakes·conceptual
The Rock Cycle
Understand the rock cycle: rocks slowly change from one type to another over millions of years — igneous rock weathers into sediment, sediment becomes sedimentary rock, heat and pressure create metamorphic rock, and melting starts the cycle again
Suggested ages 9–11
Learning journey
Your child is exploring how Earth's powerful forces work — understanding what causes volcanoes and earthquakes, how scientists monitor them, and how communities prepare for these natural events.
Evidence of understanding
- Describe the rock cycle as a continuous process with no beginning or end
- Trace at least one complete path through the cycle from igneous to sedimentary to metamorphic and back
- Explain that the rock cycle operates over millions of years through weathering, pressure, heat, and melting
Assessment prompt
If The Rock Cycle saw igneous rock, sandstone, and marble side by side, could they explain how each type forms and how rocks slowly transform from one type to another in a never-ending cycle?
Standards alignment
No external standards are linked to this topic.