Rocks and Minerals > Rock Cycle Activities

Metamorphic Rocks: Metamorphic Rock Cakes

by Deborah Hanuscin

---

Concept: Metamorphic rock formation

Metamorphic rocks are formed from sedimentary, igneous, or other metamorphic rocks. These rocks are subjected to intense heat and pressure. The heat and pressure is not quite enough to melt the rock, but it does cause the minerals in the rock to change in size or shape, or to combine with other minerals to form new or bigger minerals.

Objective:

Students will be able to explain how metamorphic rocks form.

Materials:

• electric griddle or frying pan
• pancake mix (just-add-water type)
• water for the mix
• oil for the griddle
• plates and napkins, spatula
• assorted foods, some that melt and some that don't: raisins, coconut, marshmallows, nuts, chocolate chips, berries, etc.

Procedure:

1. Allow students to observe each of the ingredients (including the pancake mix) before you combine them. You may wish to have them record these observations in their science journal. Tell students that these ingredients represent the minerals of the rock.
2. Ask students what two factors are needed to form metamorphic rock (heat and pressure).
3. Combine the ingredients to make rock batter.
4. Place the completed rock batter onto the griddle and flatten with the spatula. The griddle represents heat and the flattening with the spatula represents pressure.
5. When finished cooking, place the metamorphic rock cakes on plates and allow students to observe them after they have cooled. Students can then record their answers to the questions listed below.
6. After observing the rock cakes, eat and enjoy!

Questions:

1. What changes do you notice in the minerals of the rock?
2. Have some minerals changed and not others?
3. How are metamorphic rocks formed?

Copyright © 2001, The Trustees of Indiana University