We live steps away from a beach filled with cool rocks. My son is also a rock hound, always bringing back a new and unusual looking rock from one of the nearby beaches too. Our rock collection is ever-changing and this month he has been learning about rocks, minerals, and natural resources. What better activity than to try out a Starburst rock cycle activity where you can explore all the stages with one simple ingredient.
STARBURST ROCK CYCLE ACTIVITY
In my experience kids love candy science, my son especially. Nothing says hands-on learning better than edible science! How about an edible rock cycle made out of starburst candy. Pick up a bag the next time you are at the grocery store!
EDIBLE ROCK CYCLE
Get ready to add this simple rock activity with just one ingredient to your science or STEM lesson plans this season. If you want to learn more about the rock cycle, let’s dig in. While you’re at it, make sure to check out these other fun Edible STEM activities.
Our science activities and experiments are designed with you, the parent or teacher, in mind! Easy to set up, quick to do, most activities will take only 15 to 30 minutes to complete and are heaps of fun! Plus, our supplies lists usually contain only free or cheap materials you can source from home!
ALSO CHECK OUT: Crayon Rock Cycle
SIMPLE EARTH SCIENCE FOR KIDS
Let’s get right to learning about the rock cycle steps and making our starburst candy rocks! Grab a package of starburst and get them unwrapped. We have some chopping to do to make the sediment!
This candy experiment asks the question: What are the rock cycle steps?
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YOU WILL NEED:
- Starburst candy pieces
- Ziplock bag or empty Starburst bag
- Small cup
- Plastic knife
- Plate
You can use a heat source such as a hairdryer if a microwave or oven is not available. The results will vary.
Candy will be HOT after using a heat source. Use caution at all times.
Please make sure all materials are cool to the touch before letting the kiddos handle the candy rocks.
HOW TO MAKE A STARBURST ROCK CYCLE:
Let’s get learning with candy science the kids love.
STEP 1: Cut one of each color Starburst into fourths to act as sediments.
STEP 2: Compact the pile of Starburst sediments together but do not form them, this will act as the Sedimentary Rock.
STEP 3: Apply heat and pressure to the “Sedimentary Rock” with your hands or press into a ziplock/Starburst bag. This can be any shape and will act as the Metamorphic Rock.
STEP 4: Place the “Metamorphic Rock” in a small bowl or on a plate and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds to turn the “Metamorphic Rock” into Magma.
STEP 5: Once the “Metamorphic Rock” cools it will then be an “Igneous Rock”
STEP 6: When weathering and erosion happen it will turn the “Igneous Rock” back into sediments.
ROCK CYCLE IN THE CLASSROOM
This rock cycle activity could also be done with bits of modeling clay to explore the sedimentary and metamorphic phases if candy is not allowed. You can not heat the clay but it still gives you an idea of the process.
Similarly, if you can not use the amount of heat necessary to turn the candy into igneous rock, you can still try out the first few steps of the rock cycle with the starburst candies.
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TYPES OF ROCKS
What are the rock cycle steps, and what are the rock types?
The three main rock types are igneous, metamorphosis, and sedimentary.
Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary rocks are formed from pre-existing rocks that have been broken down into tiny particles. When these particles settle together and harden, they form sedimentary rocks. They form from deposits that accumulate on the Earth’s surface. Sedimentary rocks often have a layered appearance. Sedimentary rock is the most common rock type found at its surface.
Common sedimentary rocks include sandstone, coal, limestone, and shale.
Metamorphic Rock
Metamorphic rocks started out as some other type of rock, but have been changed from their original form by heat, pressure, or a combination of these factors.
Common metamorphic rocks include marble, granulite, and soapstone.
Igneous Rock
Igneous form from when hot, molten rock crystallizes and solidifies. The melt originates deep within the earth near active plates or hot spots, then rises toward the surface, like magma, or lava. When it cools igneous rock is formed.
There are two types of igneous rock. Intrusive igneous rocks crystallize below Earth’s surface, and the slow cooling that occurs there allows large crystals to form. Extrusive igneous rocks erupt onto the surface, where they cool quickly to form small crystals.
Common igneous rocks include basalt, pumice, granite, and obsidian.
ROCK CYCLE FACTS
Beneath the layers of dirt are layers of rock. Over time these layers of rock can change shape and form.
When rocks heat up so much that they melt, they turn to a hot liquid called lava. But as lava cools down, it turns back to rock. That rock is an igneous rock. Over time, due to weather, and erosion all rocks can break back down into smaller parts.
When those parts settle they form sedimentary rock. This changing of rock forms is called the Rock Cycle.
CHECK OUT MORE FUN EDIBLE SCIENCE IDEAS
EASY TO MAKE EDIBLE ROCK CYCLE ACTIVITY
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