Rocks and the Rock Cycle

What this unit covers

The page brings together material on the three main rock types and the way they change into one another. The Types of Rock mind map sets out igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, with points such as granite making up a large part of all continents and basalt being the most common igneous rock. The Mind Map: Rocks resource goes further, splitting igneous rocks into intrusive and extrusive, and adding human interaction.

Where to start

Begin with the flashcard deck The Rock Cycle. It runs through how sediments are transported, the process of lithification, how rocks are broken down into sediments and how igneous rocks form. Then open the Minerals flashcards, which ask what a mineral is, what ores are and how hardness is assessed.

1. Read the Types of Rock mind map for the big picture.
2. Work through The Rock Cycle flashcards.
3. Take the Different Types of Rock quiz, which uses fill-in-the-blank questions on magma and rock types.
4. Try the quiz called The Rock Cycle for a second check.

Going deeper

The mind map Sedimentary Petrology looks at weathering, erosion, transportation and deposition. The notes on identifying non-clastic rocks cover chemical and biological limestone. A slide set on igneous petrology suits those who want more detail. Many resources mention GCSE Geology, GCSE Science, GCSE Chemistry, GCSE Geography and A-level Geology, so you can look for the one that matches your course.

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a mind map first, then close it and take a quiz on the same rock type. Wrong answers show you which branch to revisit. Flashcards then help you fix the key terms in memory. Teachers can pick a map or quiz to set as a starter or a revision task.

Where it sits

This unit belongs to the Earth Materials strand in Geology and earth sciences. Choose a resource that suits you and start studying, or make your own set once you have worked through a few.