This resource provides a 5E style lesson (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate) over the rock cycle, including a single-period lab using crayons to model the cycle.  It’s often a difficult concept for students to imagine that over millions of years, one kind of rock will change into another kind of rock.  This lab allows students to see the changes taking place, and learn important qualities of each type of rock and how they are formed.Photo:  Rainbow of Crayon Shavings by Richie Girardin via Flickr

In this lab, students will investigate sediment sorting and deposition. Students will combine gravel, sand, clay and potting soil in a 2L bottle, add water and shake contents. The top of the bottle will be cut off and the water will be allowed to evaporate. Once the sediments have settled and dried, students will cut the bottle in half and observe the cross section. Students will make observations with a small group and record observations in a scientific journal or log.