Energy Driving the Rock Cycle
Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher
"Energy Driving the Rock Cycle" is written for 7th Grade (Ages 12-13), and it covers NGSS MS-ESS2-1. A 6th grader who is already steady on Earth science can use it too, and an older student can use it as a short review.
2 pages in this set
7th grade science worksheet: decide whether Earth's heat or the Sun drives each rock cycle process, then label a cycle diagram. Answer key included. Part of our rocks and minerals earth science collection. Aligned to NGSS standards.
How do I use this worksheet?
Use Energy Driving the Rock Cycle to teach the cycle, then give Rock Cycle Terms in Context for vocabulary practice. The bold words in the passage give students a bank of terms for the matching page.
What students will practice
- Students will tell which processes are driven by heat inside Earth and which by the Sun.
- Students will sort cards into columns by the main energy source for each process.
- Students will write cooling, melting and three other processes on a rock cycle diagram.
Curriculum Links
Next Generation Science Standards
Science · 7th Grade
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FAQ
How do I use this rocks and minerals worksheet?
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Use Energy Driving the Rock Cycle to teach the cycle, then give Rock Cycle Terms in Context for vocabulary practice. The bold words in the passage give students a bank of terms for the matching page.
What does this worksheet teach?
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Decide whether Earth's heat or the Sun drives each rock cycle process, then label a cycle diagram. The directions on the page read: Read the text. Decide what mainly drives the process on each card. Write each card's letter in the matching column. An answer key is included.
Can I use this rocks and minerals worksheet for homeschool or classroom?
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Yes, both. We made it for 7th grade Earth science, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.
What drives the rock cycle?
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Heat from inside Earth and energy from the Sun both drive it, and gravity works alongside both. Interior heat melts rock and powers mountain building, while the Sun drives wind, water and weathering.
What is the difference between intrusive and extrusive rock?
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Extrusive rock hardens in the open air after lava pours out. Intrusive rock cools slowly underground, so minerals grow as interlocking grains and form a coarse rock such as granite. Rock Cycle Terms in Context uses both words in one passage.
What are the main processes of the rock cycle?
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They include cooling, melting, heat and pressure, weathering and erosion, and compaction and cementation. Energy Driving the Rock Cycle has students write each one on a diagram.
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Worksheet Details
| Grade | 7th Grade |
| Subject | Science |
| Topic | Earth Science |
| Standard | MS-ESS2-1 |
| Pages | 2 pages |
| Difficulty | Medium |
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