Kick Off Your Rock Cycle Lessons With the Types of Rocks!

Are your students able to describe the differences between the different types of rocks? While they’re all similar, they do have distinct differences and play an important role in the Earth’s landscape. So what’s the difference? Maybe this is your first year teaching about rocks and minerals, or perhaps you’ve been away from this subject area for a while – so let’s take a closer look at the meaning of these three science vocabulary terms!

What Are The 3 Types of Rocks? Sedimentary, Igneous & Metamorphic

• Igneous
  Igneous rocks are formed when volcanic magma cools and solidifies (from a liquid to a solid).
  Examples: basalt, granite, pumice
• Sedimentary
  Sedimentary rocks are formed over time from sediments of pre-existing rocks.
  Examples: shale, sandstone, carbonate
• Metamorphic
  Metamorphic rocks are igneous or sedimentary rocks that are changed over time by extreme heat or pressure.
  Examples: marble, slate, quartzite

This year, we’re excited to help you kick off your lessons and give your students visual examples and information on the three types of rocks with our brand new printable Types of Rocks Anchor Charts/Posters. This resource download includes four posters, described as follows:

• Types of Rocks Anchor Chart – Features 3 types of rocks and examples of each type of rock
• Sedimentary Rock Anchor Chart – Features a description and examples of three types of sedimentary rock.
• Igneous Rock Anchor Chart – Features a description and examples of three types of igneous rock.
• Metamorphic Rock Anchor Chart – Features a description and examples of three types of metamorphic rock.

We have included both colour and black-and-white versions of each poster.

Download Your Rock Posters Today!

This resource is available as a printable PDF or editable Google Slides resource file. Click the dropdown arrow to download your copy today!

This resource was created by Brittany Kellogg, a teacher and Teach Starter Collaborator.

Even More Printables for Teaching the Types of Rocks

Need more? Make sure you grab these rockin’ printables before you go!

teaching resource

Sedimentary Rock Formation Poster

A poster explaining the processes that lead to the formation of sedimentary rocks.

teaching resource

Let's Get Ready to Rock! – Worksheet

A comprehension worksheet for the information report from the Year 3 magazine (Issue 2).