Rocks & the Rock Cycle

Subject: Science  ·  Grade level: 4th

How rocks form, change, and break down — over thousands and millions of years. Earth is made of rocks, but they're not all the same. Some come from volcanoes,

In this lesson

• Three kinds of rocks
• Minerals are the building blocks
• The rock cycle

Key terms

Magma

Hot melted rock under Earth's surface.

Lava

Magma that has reached the surface.

Sediment

Tiny pieces of rock, sand, or shells.

Rocks & the Rock Cycle lesson on BrightPath

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