Rocks and Minerals by UTH Rocks and Minerals by UTH    

Lesson 25: Metamorphic Rocks

Directions

Study the lesson for one week.

Over the week:

• Read the lesson.
• Review the synopsis.
• Recite aloud the vocabulary words and their definitions.
• Study the rock and mineral of the week.
• Complete the enrichment activities.
• Study the review questions.

Synopsis

Metamorphic rocks start out as one kind of igneous, metamorphic or sedimentary rock. After being subjected to intense pressure and/or high temperatures, they undergo physical and chemical changes into new type of metamorphic rock.

Vocabulary

Igneous Rock: A rock formed by the cooling of molten rock, either below the surface (intrusive) or on the surface (extrusive).
Metamorphic Rock: A rock that consists of pre-existing rock mass in which new minerals or textures are formed at higher temperatures and greater pressures than those present on the Earth's surface.
Sedimentary Rock: A rock formed by the deposition of either the weathered remains of other rocks, the results of biological activity, or precipitation from solution.

Rock or Mineral of the Week

Overview

• Marble is a metamorphic rock of crystalline limestone with the chemical formula of CaCO3 (calcium carbonate).
• Abundant and beautiful when polished, famous sculptures and buildings around the world consist of marble.
• Many people also have marble countertops or tables in their homes.

Physical Characteristics

• Color: Comes in shades of white, green, rose, cream, gray, and black
• Hardness: 3.0
• Luster: Dull, pearly, or subvitreous (near glass-like)
• Cleavage: None
• Streak: White

Locations:

• United States
• Italy
• Turkey
• India
• Spain
• Greece

Interesting Facts

• The Taj Majal palace in India is made of marble.

• The Washington Monument, erected in Washington D.C. USA, is made of marble.

• Many other statues and monuments, such as Michelangelo's Statue of David, are made from marble.

• Some homes feature marble countertops such as the black marble shown in the picture.

• All of these wonderful creations come from marble rock.

Enrichment

Activity 1: Narrate the Lesson

• After reading or listening to the lesson, narrate the lesson aloud using your own words.

Activity 2: Can You Find It?

Find the following elements on the periodic table:

• Calcium (Ca)
• Carbon (C)
• Oxygen (O)
• In which group and period is calcium (Ca)?

Activity 3: Map the Lesson

• The Taj Mahal, a palace made of marble, is found in India.
• Find India on the map.

Activity 4: Take a Nature Walk

• Embark on a nature walk.
• Collect one rock or mineral specimen.
• Use the gathered specimen to create the field book entry.

Activity 5: Complete a Field Book Entry   

After your nature walk, complete page 6 in 'Fifth Grade Science Rocks and Minerals Notebook Pages.'

Review

Question 1

Describe something about marble.

1 / 4

Answer 1

Marble is a metamorphic rock of different colors used to construct things such as buildings, statues, and countertops.

1 / 4

Question 2

What are the three major groups of rock that make up the crust of the Earth?

2 / 4

Answer 2

The three major groups of rock that make up the crust of the Earth are igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary.

2 / 4

Question 3

Is marble an igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary rock?

3 / 4

Answer 3

Marble is a metamorphic rock.

3 / 4

Question 4

Which rock group includes rocks or minerals transformed by heat and pressure?

4 / 4

Answer 4

The metamorphic rock group includes rocks or minerals transformed by heat and pressure.

4 / 4

❮ ❯

1. Describe something about marble. Marble is a metamorphic rock of different colors used to construct things such as buildings, statues, and countertops.
2. What are the three major groups of rock that make up the crust of the Earth? The three major groups of rock that make up the crust of the Earth are igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary.
3. Is marble an igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary rock? Marble is a metamorphic rock.
4. Which rock group includes rocks or minerals transformed by heat and pressure? The metamorphic rock group includes rocks or minerals transformed by heat and pressure.

References

'Marble.' Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marble. n.p.

Cited Physical Properties. Geology.com. geology.com/rocks. n.p.