Candy Rocks, Rock Identification
What is Geology?
Geology is the study of Earth. Rocks are one of the many things that geologists study. Rocks are made up of minerals and can be placed (classified) into three main categories: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
Igneous rocks are made from lava that flows out of a volcano. Magma (liquid rock) is deep beneath the Earth’s surface.
Sedimentary rocks form when pieces (sediments) of other rocks. Sediments that we know could be sand, mud, rotting (decaying) plants and animals. These get compressed and squeezed together. These rocks normally form in layers and often contain skeletons (fossils).
Metamorphic rocks are created when other rocks (Igneous and Sedimentary) go through (undergo) a change due to heat or pressure. This transformation is what makes up the rock cycle.
The Experiment
Create a visual that will show how sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic, rocks are formed using candy.
Materials
9 pieces of Starburst candy. 3 different colors, 3 of each.
Sprinkles
Snack bag
Paper plate
Plastic spoon
Tin foil
Directions
*Make sure your hands are washed.
STEP 1
Ask your caregiver to cut each candy into 4 pieces. Separate the pieces by color in three piles. You should have three stacks of colored candy.
STEP 2
Sedimentary rock is made of pieces of other rocks, mud, sand, and rotting animals. Grab 4 candies from each stack. Grab a few sprinkles (represents the fossil). Place the items in the palm of your hand. Use your other hand to push and apply pressure on the candies and sprinkles. Do this for 30 seconds.
What does your rock look like?
STEP 3
Metamorphic rock made when other rocks (igneous and sedimentary) go through (undergo) a change due to heat or pressure. Grab 4 candies from each stack. Place the items in the snack bag. Squeeze the bag. Move it around your hands. The heat from your body with pressure and friction melts the candy. Do this for 4 minutes.
What does your rock look like?
STEP 4
Igneous rock is made from lava (liquid rock) flowing from a volcano. Discuss with your caregiver how to safely melt the candies.
Options:
Method 1: If it is a hot, sunny day, use the tin foil and a paper plate and take the candy outside. Pretend the sun is the volcano. This method might take a long time. DON’T TOUCH!! Candy can burn you. Let it cool.
Method 2: Place the candies on the paper plate. (DO NOT USE THE TIN FOIL WITH THIS OPTION. TIN FOIL IN THE MICROWAVE CAN CAUSE A FIRE) Microwave for 30 seconds. Swirl the candies together with a plastic spoon. DON’T TOUCH!! Candy can burn you. Let it cool.
What does your rock look like?
Dinner Talk
Talk with your family, siblings, friends, etc about this experiment.
- What was the coolest part of the experiment? Why?
- Which rock is your favorite and why?
- In what ways do sedimentary rocks look and feel different from either igneous or metamorphic rocks?
Extra Enrichment
- Find rocks in your backyard and see if you can identify them.
- Write about it using this sentence starter: My favorite types of rocks are…
Visit
Geology Kitchen: The 3 Types of Rocks
Read
Rhoda’s Rock Hunt by Molly Beth Griffin
Did you know
Geologists study the earth. They are problem solvers focusing on energy, water, and mineral resources; the environment; climate change; and natural hazards like landslides, volcanoes, earthquakes, and floods.
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