Author: Maddie Van Beek
Today, we’re going to learn about sedimentary rocks!
There are three main types of rocks: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary.
Igneous rocks are: formed from magma or lava and are found at the Earth’s crust.
Metamorphic rocks are: formed from high temperature and/or high pressure.
A metamorphic rock is created by changing or “morphing” another existing rock into something new.
Sedimentary rocks are: formed from layers of sediments at the Earth’s surface. This is what we are focusing on today!
Think about the word sediment… does it mean anything to you? Brainstorm what sediment might mean or what the word sediment reminds you of.
Sedimentary rocks are formed over time at the Earth’s surface by a variety of processes (air, ice, water, wind, and/or gravity). You might find sedimentary rocks close to the ocean, for example. Waves and bodies of water cause different materials to wash ashore and form layers and layers of deposited particles. As layers are added, pressure increases. Over time, these layers get compressed from loose sand, pebbles, minerals, or seashells into hard layers of rock. When rocks form this way, it's called lithification.
Today, we’re going to learn about sedimentary rocks!
There are three main types of rocks: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary.
Igneous rocks are: formed from magma or lava and are found at the Earth’s crust.
Metamorphic rocks are: formed from high temperature and/or high pressure.
A metamorphic rock is created by changing or “morphing” another existing rock into something new.
Sedimentary rocks are: formed from layers of sediments at the Earth’s surface. This is what we are focusing on today!
Think about the word sediment… does it mean anything to you? Brainstorm what sediment might mean or what the word sediment reminds you of.
Sedimentary rocks are formed over time at the Earth’s surface by a variety of processes (air, ice, water, wind, and/or gravity). You might find sedimentary rocks close to the ocean, for example. Waves and bodies of water cause different materials to wash ashore and form layers and layers of deposited particles. As layers are added, pressure increases. Over time, these layers get compressed from loose sand, pebbles, minerals, or seashells into hard layers of rock. When rocks form this way, it's called lithification.
These rocks are along Mystic Beach near Sooke, British Columbia.
When the tide is high, it coves the beach completely and reaches all the way to the rocks.
Think about it, which layers of sedimentary rock are the oldest? How do you know?
Which layers are the newest? Why?
When you see sedimentary rocks, you may notice different textures and colors. This is because they have been formed over a long period of time from many different materials.
Which layers are the newest? Why?
When you see sedimentary rocks, you may notice different textures and colors. This is because they have been formed over a long period of time from many different materials.
These rocks are along Monterey Bay at Point Lobos in Carmel, California.
Now that you know what sedimentary rocks are and how they form, we’re going to form our own EDIBLE sedimentary rock bars!
YOU WILL NEED:
* Butter
* Marshmallows
* Puffed rice or rice crisp cereal
* Caramel or chocolate chips
* Toppings (any kind of candy, chocolate or popcorn will do)
* Rubber spatula
* Baking Pan
* Saucepan
Here’s what to do!
1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Add 2 cups of marshmallows and stir over low heat until the butter and marshmallows form a fluffy sauce.
YOU WILL NEED:
* Butter
* Marshmallows
* Puffed rice or rice crisp cereal
* Caramel or chocolate chips
* Toppings (any kind of candy, chocolate or popcorn will do)
* Rubber spatula
* Baking Pan
* Saucepan
Here’s what to do!
1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Add 2 cups of marshmallows and stir over low heat until the butter and marshmallows form a fluffy sauce.
3. Remove the melted marshmallow from the stovetop and add 2 cups of puffed rice cereal (or whatever cereal you choose to add).
4. Spread your first layer of marshmallow cereal into the baking pan. Pack it down! Remember, this is your oldest sedimentary layer, so it should be very firm since it’s been under all that pressure!
4. Spread your first layer of marshmallow cereal into the baking pan. Pack it down! Remember, this is your oldest sedimentary layer, so it should be very firm since it’s been under all that pressure!
5. Next, add a layer of caramel sauce. Spread it evenly over the marshmallow layer.
6. Now, sprinkle puffed rice over the caramel and press it all in! This layer is probably not packed down as much as your bottom layer, but should still be pretty stuck in there.
7. Melt about ½ cup of chocolate chips in the microwave OR use 4 tablespoons of coconut oil and 4 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Either will work! Microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between until you have liquid chocolate. Drizzle the chocolate sauce over the puffed rice layer and then spread it over evenly with the spatula.
8. Finally, add your toppings! These toppings are probably the largest pieces and the least packed down. You can use M&Ms, a crushed candy bar, or popcorn! Use your imagination and your resources!
9. Refrigerate your sedimentary rock bars for at least 20 minutes to solidify.
10. Cut your bars apart and enjoy! Make sure to pay attention to all the different layers you’ve created!
10. Cut your bars apart and enjoy! Make sure to pay attention to all the different layers you’ve created!
