Grade 7 Science Tse

Unit 5: Topic 1
Rocks and the Rock Cycle

Rocks are grouped into three major families.

1. Igneous Rock

Magma:

Any rock heated at great depths can melt into magma. Under high pressure, the
magma can push away or dissolve the surrounding rock, making room for itself. This
causes magma to push up to the surface through cracks in the Earth’s crust.

Geologists classify igneous rock based on whether it was formed above or below Earth’s
surface.

a) Intrusive Rock:

b) Extrusive Rock:

Lava:

2. Sedimentary Rock

Sedimentary rock makes up about 75% of all rock that we can see on Earth’s
surface.

Sedimentary Rock is made from _____________________, which is loose material such

as rock, minerals, plant and animal remains that have been packed in layers and
cemented together.
Grade 7 Science Tse

When you can see this arrangement, the

different layers in a piece of rock, it is

called

_________________________________.

This process of stratification normally occurs in lakes and oceans where the sediment
settles over top of each other. Each layer of sediment is squeezed together by the weight
of other sediment and the water on top of it.
This is called _______________________________.

Sometimes, minerals dissolve as the water soaks into the

rock. This forms natural cement that sticks the larger

pieces of sediment together. This process is called

__________________________.

3. Metamorphic Rock

Even though a rock has formed, it can still change its form!

Metamorphic Rock:

Parent rock:

Metamorphic rock can change so completely that it no longer looks like the parent rock.
But geologists can tell if rocks were related due to the common characteristics they
have.
Grade 7 Science Tse

Rock Cycle

Rocks continue to change in an ongoing process called the rock cycle!

Sediment and Soil

How does soil form?

A layer of __________________ and _____________________ covers Earth. Plants

and animals add organic matter, such as leaves, twigs, dead insects and worms. The
organic matter creates spaces that can be filled with air or water.

All of these combine to form soil. Soil is a material that can ______________
plants.

Many factors affect soil formation such as climate, the type of rock, and the
amount of moisture. As well, small living creatures can affect the process of soil
formation.

Compost:

Compost mixes up with other decaying matter to form ______________, which is

very rich in nutrients and dark colored type of soil.
Humus helps keep water in the soil and is very good for plants.
Grade 7 Science Tse

Fertile Soil:

Soil can actually take thousands of years to form! They range in thickness all over the
world. Some soil can be 60 meters thick and some can be just a few centimeters!

Scientists have exposed layers of soil with clear differences in appearance and
composition.

Soil profile:

Topsoil:

__________________________: The removal of soil materials dissolved in water