Model the process of sedimentary rock formation with this lab. Using common materials such as sand and salt and plastic cups, students make a simple sandstone. Directions are laid out simply and clearly for students to follow on their own without help.
Use this to learn and reinforce answers to questions such as:
❑ What distinguishes sedimentary rocks?
❑ How are sedimentary rocks formed?
❑ What are sedimentary rocks made of?
Concepts Addressed
♦ Sedimentary rocks are formed from sediment that is cemented and compacted
♦ There are three types of rocks (Sedimentary, Metamorphic, and Igneous)
♦ Minerals form from dissolved substances
Standards Addressed
NGSS MS-ESS2-1
TEKS 6.10B
VA SOL ES.5.c,d
Materials Needed: plastic cups, salts (e.g. table salt, epsom salts, etc), a variety of sand, gravel, and/or clay
Teaching Time About 30–40 min to set up plus a week or more for rock to dry out.
Preparation Required Collect materials.
Student Sheets Scaffolded writing prompts & lab reporting
Answer Keys and Teacher Notes address most questions and issues that might arise in this study—you shouldn’t have to do any outside research unless you want to.
