Activity Overview
Rocks can be classified as sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. Each type of rock is a different part of the rock cycle, and is formed in different ways. In this activity, students will create a chart that illustrates the different types of rocks. In addition to providing examples, encourage students to write a description of the rock and how it is formed. As an extended activity, have students examine the differences between intrusive and extrusive rocks.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a chart with examples of the different rock types.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Label each column with the names of the different rock types.
- Use the internet, books, or your own knowledge to find three examples of each rock type.
- Write the names of these examples in the description boxes.
- Search for images of these examples and include them in the cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Categories | All the categories are correctly identified. | Most of the categories are correctly identified. | Some of the categories are correctly identified. |
| Examples | There are three correct examples for each category, with images. | There are two correct examples for each category, with images. | There is one correct example for each category, with images. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
Rocks can be classified as sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. Each type of rock is a different part of the rock cycle, and is formed in different ways. In this activity, students will create a chart that illustrates the different types of rocks. In addition to providing examples, encourage students to write a description of the rock and how it is formed. As an extended activity, have students examine the differences between intrusive and extrusive rocks.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a chart with examples of the different rock types.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Label each column with the names of the different rock types.
- Use the internet, books, or your own knowledge to find three examples of each rock type.
- Write the names of these examples in the description boxes.
- Search for images of these examples and include them in the cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Categories | All the categories are correctly identified. | Most of the categories are correctly identified. | Some of the categories are correctly identified. |
| Examples | There are three correct examples for each category, with images. | There are two correct examples for each category, with images. | There is one correct example for each category, with images. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Types of Rocks Examples
How to plan an engaging classroom rock hunt activity
Bring learning to life by organizing a hands-on rock hunt. Students get outside, observe real rocks, and connect classroom concepts to the real world.
Choose a safe and accessible outdoor location
Scout your schoolyard, garden, or nearby park for a spot where students can safely explore. Check for hazards and ensure supervision to keep the activity fun and secure.
Prepare rock identification tools
Gather magnifying glasses, clipboards, and simple ID charts for students to examine and record their finds. Printable guides with photos help students match rocks to types discussed in class.
Model how to observe and record rock features
Demonstrate looking for color, texture, and patterns on sample rocks. Show students how to write short notes or sketch their observations in a science notebook.
Guide students to sort and discuss their findings
Invite students to group rocks by type (sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic) using their charts. Encourage sharing discoveries and connecting samples to classroom examples.
Frequently Asked Questions about Types of Rocks Examples
What are the three main types of rocks and how are they formed?
The three main types of rocks are sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. Sedimentary rocks form from particles settling and hardening, igneous rocks form from cooled magma or lava, and metamorphic rocks form when existing rocks are changed by heat and pressure.
What are some easy examples of each type of rock for students?
Common examples include sandstone, limestone, and shale for sedimentary rocks; granite, basalt, and pumice for igneous rocks; and marble, slate, and gneiss for metamorphic rocks.
How can students create a chart to compare different types of rocks?
Students can make a chart with columns for rock type, examples, description, how each is formed, and images. This helps visually compare and understand the differences between sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.
What is the difference between intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks?
Intrusive igneous rocks form from magma cooling slowly underground, resulting in larger crystals (like granite). Extrusive igneous rocks cool quickly on the surface from lava, creating smaller crystals (like basalt).
How can I explain the rock cycle to 4th to 6th grade students?
The rock cycle shows how rocks change from one type to another: sedimentary to metamorphic, metamorphic to igneous, and igneous to sedimentary, through processes like heat, pressure, melting, cooling, and erosion.
More Storyboard That Activities
Rocks and Weathering
- Andesita / Andesite • Miguel Vera • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Chert ("flint") 2 • James St. John • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- columnar basalt • Paul and Jill • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Drill Lines • Me in ME • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Granite • Charles de Mille-Isles • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Jefferson Memorial • dbking • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Marble • AC_RT • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Slates • far closer • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Sphalerite-pyrite (zinc ore) (Faro Deposit, Lower Cambrian; metamorphosed in the Late Cretaceous; Faro Pit, Anvil Mining District, Anvil Range, southern Yukon Province, northwestern Canada) 2 • James St. John • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
