Quarter 1, Week 2

Classification of Rocks
 EARTH AND LIFE SCIENCE
Grade 11

Name of Leaner: _____________________________________________________________________

Grade Level: ________________________________________________________________________
Section: ____________________________________________________________________________
Date: ______________________________________________________________________________

CLASSIFICATION OF ROCKS

READY TO LAUNCH!
The learners demonstrate an understanding of the three main categories of
rocks, and the origin and environment of formation of common minerals and rocks. The
learners also will be able to make a plan that the community may use to conserve and
protect its resources for future generations. The learners will be able to classify rocks
into igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic.
Rocks are aggregate of various types of minerals. It can be composed of single
or more commonly as an aggregate of two or more minerals. In other words, a rock is
not a single, uniform crystal.
Rocks are classified on the basis of the mode of formation. The three rock types
are igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.

AIM AT THE TARGET!

This learning Activity Sheet aims to:

Classify rocks into igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic S11/12ES – Ib –10
After going this learning, you are expected to:
1. Classify and describe the three basic rock types;
2. Establish relationships between rock types and the origin and environment of
deposition/formation;
3. Understand the different geologic processes involved in rock formation.
 TRY THIS!

Direction: Complete the crossword by filling in a word that fits each clue
Across
4. Rocks formed by weathering, layering, and compaction
7. Sedimentary rocks often have layers that contain this
8. This material cools on the exterior of a volcano
9. Rocks formed by the cooling of magma
10. This igneous rock that cools quickly has small crystals and fine
grains
12. This molten material cools inside a volcano
13. A specific type of metamorphic rock

Down
1. The Latin word meaning "igneous"
2. This igneous rock that cools slowly has large crystals and coarse
grains
3. A specific type of sedimentary rock
5. A specific type of igneous rock
6. Rocks formed by extreme heat and pressure
11. A mixture of minerals forms this

KEEP IN MIND!

Rocks are classified on the basis of the mode of formation. The three rock types
are igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.

Igneous rocks
Rocks that are formed from the solidification of molten rock material (magma or
lava). Molten rock material can solidify below the surface of the earth (plutonic igneous
rocks) or at the surface of the Earth (volcanic igneous rocks). Minerals are formed
during the crystallization of the magma. Note that the rate of cooling is one of the most
important factors that control crystal size and the texture of the rock in general. Magma
is a molten rock beneath the surface of the earth. Lava is molten rock material extruded
to the surface of the earth though volcanic or fissure eruptions.
Plutonic or intrusive rocks
was formed from solidified
magma underneath the
earth, gradual lowering of
the temperature gradient at
depth towards the surface
would cause slow cooling/
crystallization, phaneritic Diorite
texture. Examples: granite,
diorite, gabbro
Volcanic or extrusive rocks was
formed from solidified lava at or
near the surface of the earth. They
are fast rate of
cooling/crystallization due to huge
variance in the temperature
between Earth’s surface and
underneath. The common textures
are aphanitic, porphyritic and
vesicular. Examples: rhyolite,
andesite, basalt

Sedimentary Rocks
These are rocks that are formed through the accumulation, compaction, and
cementation of sediments. They generally form at surface or near surface conditions.
 Sedimentary processes at or near surface of the Earth include weathering of
rocks, sediment transport and deposition, compaction and cementation.
 Factors in sedimentary processes: weathering and transport agents ( water,
wind, ice)
 Common sedimentary features: strata and fossils
 Strata:> 1 cm is called bedding and anything less is called lamination; layering is
the result of a change in grain size and composition; each layer represents a
distinct period of deposition.
 Fossils: remains and traces of plants and animals that are preserved in rocks

Non- clastic/ Chemical/biochemical – derived form the sediments that

precipitated from the concentrated solutions (e.g. seawater) or form the accumulation of
biologic or organic material (e.g. shells, plant material). They are further classified on
the basis of chemical composition.
Clastic/ terrigenous – form from the accumulation and lithification of sediments
derived from the breakdown of pre-existing rocks. They are further classified according
to domain grain size.
Examples: Conglomerate, breccia, sandstone, claystone, limestone, coquina
 Metamorphic Rocks

Rocks that form from the transformation of pre-existing rocks ( igneous, sedimentary, or
metamorphic rocks) through the process of metamorphism. Metamorphism can involve
changes in the physical and chemical properties of rocks in response of heat, pressure
and chemically active fluids. They are commonly formed underneath the earth through
metamorphism.
Contact metamorphism
 Heat as the main factor: occurs when a pre-existing rocks get in contact with a
heat source (magma)
 Occurs on a relatively small scale: around the vicinity of intruding magma
 Creates non-foliated metamorphic rocks (e.g. hornfels)
Regional Metamorphism
 Pressure as main factor: occurs in areas that have undergone deformation during
orogenic event resulting in mountain belts
 Occurs in a regional/large scale
 Creates foliated metamorphic rocks such as schist and gneiss
 Non-foliated rocks like marbles also form thru regional metamorphism, where
pressure in not intense, far from the main geologic event
Examples: Shale, Slate, Schist, Gneiss, marble

shale Slate marble

schist

The Rock Cycle

The rock cycle is a conceptual model for understanding processes that generate,
alter, transport and deposit mineral materials to produce different kinds of rocks. The
term cycle emphasizes that existing rocks supply the materials to make new and
sometimes very different rocks. Whole existing rocks can be recycled to form new
rocks.
A complete cycle is shown in the figure below. It is indicated by the arrows that
cut across the diagram, rock matter does not have to go through every step of the full
rock cycle. For example, after igneous rocks are created by the cooling and crystallizing
of magma or lava, they can weather into fragments that lithify into sedimentary rocks.
Igneous rocks, however, could also be remelted and recrystallized to make new igneous
rocks or changed into metamorphic rocks by heat and pressure. Sedimentary rocks
consist of particles and deposits derived from any of the three basic rock types.
Metamorphic rocks can be created by means of heat and pressure changing any pre-
existing rock- igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic – into a new rock type. In addition,
with sufficient heat, any rock can melt completely into magma that will eventually cool
and solidify into an igneous rock. The rock cycle includes all the possible pathways for
the recycling of rock matter over time.

(Quick video about the rock cycle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lyCYXXIHT0)

DO Let’s Do This!

TASK 1. Classify the following rocks in the first box as to Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic:

Granite marble basalt gypsum schist rhyolite skarn

Conglomerate calcite slate quartzite pumice scoria caliche

Sandstone halite diorite andesite limestone pyroxene tuff

 Igneous Sedimentary Metamorphic

TASK 2. Concept Mapping. Fill up portions of the chart which corresponds to the list of words
provided to choose from.

Rocks
Word/ phrases to choose from:
Pressure biological matter lava cools quickly
Clastic maybe vesticular compacted sediments
Extrusive classified by size contains air bubbles
Rocks large crystals form small or no crystals forms
Heat evaporites magma cools slowly
Contact metamorphic Classified on how they are
formed
intrusive building blocks precipitates
Mineral non-clastic sedimentary
Igneous regional Generally forms from the
Forms from cooling and Rock change due to compaction and cementation of
solidification of lava or magma temperature and/or pressure sediments
change

.
TASK 3. Rock identification. Identify two samples for igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rock
types. Include in the discussion the following. You will be rated based on the scoring rubric found on
the next page

Igneous Rocks

Rock Name:

History of Formation

Common Environment of
formation
Common texture

Common use

Rock Name:

History of Formation
Common Environment of
formation
Common texture

Common use

Sedimentary Rocks
Rock Name:

History of Formation

Common Environment of
formation
Common texture

Common use

Rock Name:

History of Formation

Common Environment of
formation
Common texture

Common use

Metamorphic Rocks

Rock Name:

History of Formation

Common Environment of
formation
Common texture

Common use
Rock Name:

History of Formation

Common Environment of
formation
Common texture

Common use

Scoring Rubrics
Points Description
20  Identified all the rocks correctly with all of the description (texture minerals
presented, common uses, history formation etc. relevant to rocks identification
included. Description is well-organized.
15  Identified 75% of the rocks correctly with all of the description (texture minerals
presented, common uses, history formation etc. relevant to rocks identification
included.
 Description is organized identified 50% of the rocks correctly with the
description (texture minerals presented, common uses, history formation etc.
relevant to rocks identification included.
 Description is somewhat organized
10  Identified 50% of the rocks correctly with the description (texture minerals
presented, common uses, history formation etc. relevant to rocks identification
included.
 Some inaccuracies are noted.
 Description is somewhat organized
5  Identified 25% of the rocks correctly with the description texture minerals
presented, common uses, history formation etc. relevant to rocks identification
included.
 Several inaccuracies are noted.
 Description is disorganized

Let’s Remember!

 Three major types exist on the earth, these include sedimentary, igneous and
metamorphic rocks. The classification is based on how these rocks form;
 Sedimentary rocks forms the largest share of the rocks on the earth’s surface;
 Rocks are important in mapping of natural resources with Plate tectonics playing
 major role in various rock type distribution and abundance;
 Igneous and metamorphic rocks are both encountered in geothermal environments;
 Igneous rocks especially very recent are good indicators of volcanism hence heat
source for geothermal system to exist; and
 Sedimentary rocks play a major role in reconstruction of earth’s history also
important resources like coal and oil can be found in sedimentary environments.
Geopressurised geothermal systems are also hosted in sedimentary terrains.
 Metamorphic rocks have been changed over time by extreme pressure and heat.
 Metamorphic rocks can be formed by pressure deep under the Earth's surface, from
the extreme heat caused by magma or by the intense collisions and friction of
tectonic plates.
 Marble is a metamorphic rock that is formed from the sedimentary rock limestone.
• Uplift and erosion help bring metamorphic rock to the Earth's surface

Let’s Apply

Use this rock cycle model to answer the three questions below.

1. According to this rock cycle model, can a sedimentary rock be transformed directly into an
igneous rock? Why or why not?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
2. Discuss how a metamorphic rock could become a sedimentary rock.

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

3. Explain the difference between the rectangles and the ovals in this model.

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

Let’s Reflect

I have learned that _______________________________________________

I have realized that ______________________________________________

I will apply ____________________________________________________

Assess What You Have Learned

Multiple Choice: Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the
question.
____1. The processes involved in the rock cycle include all of the following EXCEPT ____.
condensation c. Weathering
a.
Erosion d. Compaction
 b.

____2. The ____ shows how one rock changes into another.
rock cycle c. formation of crystals
a.
melting process d. none of the above
b.

____3. Sedimentary rocks are changed to sediments by ____.

weathering and erosion c. cementation
a.
compaction d. heat and pressure
b.

____4. Igneous rocks form from ____ when it cools.

Magma c. neither a nor b
a.
Lava d. both a and b
b.

____5. All of the following conditions in Earth can cause metamorphic rocks to form
EXCEPT ____.
pressure c. Heat
a.
the presence of hot, watery fluids d. exposure to air
b.

____6. Sedimentary rocks are ____.

formed from magma
a.
a type of foliated igneous rock
b.
c. formed because of changes in temperature and pressure, or the presence of hot
watery fluids
formed when loose materials become pressed or cemented together or when
d. minerals form from solutions

____7. A rock is always ____.

made of molten material
a.
a mixture of minerals, organic matter, volcanic glass, or other materials
b.
c. formed by heat and pressure
either igneous or sedimentary
d.
____8. Rocks are formed when magma or lava ____.
erodes c. undergoes radioactive decay
a.
crystallizes d. Weathers
b.

____9. The rock cycle indicates that each type of rock can ____.
provide materials to make other rocks
a.
form other rocks
b.
c. be changed by forces at Earth's surface
all of the above
d.

____10. Which type of scientist analyzes the composition of rocks?

an environmentalist c. a biologist
a.
a naturalist d. a geologist
b.

Answer Keys

Pre-Assessment
 Igneous Sedimentary Metamorphic
granite Conglomerate Marble
basalt Sandstone Slate
diorite Calcite Schist
Andesite Halite Skarn
Pumice Gypsum Phy;
Rhyolite Quartzite
scoria Limestone
tuff caliche

Activity 1 (Classification)

Activity 2 (concept map)

Application:
1. ANS:
1. No, in order for a rock to become igneous it must form from magma or melted
rock. During the process of melting, a sedimentary rock’s crystals would
change making it a metamorphic rock first.
2.
2. ANS:
3. A metamorphic rock could become a sedimentary rock if it were uplifted to
Earth’s surface, broken down into sediments by weathering and erosion, and
then form a sedimentary rock by litification.
4.
5. 3. The rectangles represent materials and the ovals represent processes.
Post Assessment:
1. A
2. A
3. A
4. D
5. D
6. D
7. B
8. B
9. D
10. D

REFERENCES

http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/circ1139/pdf/part2.pdf
http://www.unwater.org/publications/publications-detail/en/c/396246/
Video Links
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fvkzjt3b-dU
Rock flowchart by Michael Sammartano (Accessed 09/18/2015) blank template:
http://www.hmxearthscience.com/Sammartano/Rocks%20Flow%20Chart.pdf

Rock flowchart by Michael Sammartano (Accessed 09/18/2015) blank template:

http://www.hmxearthscience.com/Sammartano/Rocks%20Flow%20Chart.pdf

https://geology.com/rocks/
Carlson, D.H, Plummer, C.C and Hammersley, L., 2008: Physical geology, earth revealed.
McGrawHill. New York, NY 100200. Discover and dive, 2014: Ring of fire. Website:
www.divediscover.whoi.edu Ehlers, G.E. and Blatt, H., 1997: Petrology, Igneous
sedimentary and metamorphic. CBS publishers and distribution.4596/1-A new delhi-11000,
India.

Development Team of the Learning Activity Sheet

Writers and Illustrators

Janice D. Rivas
MT-1
Mambusao National High School

Ronald D. Artillero
 i.
vv

6.