The Rock Cycle worksheet for students to complete using provided vocabulary.

Absolutely! Let’s solve this Rock Cycle diagram step by step using the provided words:

Words to use:
- metamorphic rock
- igneous rock
- sedimentary rock
- magma
- sediment

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Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Top Center — “(molten material)”
- This is clearly labeled as “molten material,” which is the definition of magma.
- ✔ So, the blank next to “(molten material)” = magma

2. Left Side — After “Cooling & Crystallizing”
- Magma cools and crystallizes to form igneous rock (this is how volcanic or plutonic rocks form).
- The image below shows a typical igneous rock texture.
- ✔ Blank below “Cooling & Crystallizing” = igneous rock

3. Below Igneous Rock — “Weathering”
- Weathering breaks down rocks into smaller pieces → this creates sediment.
- The image below shows particles being carried in water — classic sediment transport.
- ✔ Blank after “Weathering” = sediment

4. Bottom Right — After “Cementing & Compaction”
- Sediment gets buried, compacted, and cemented together to form sedimentary rock.
- The image shows layered rock — characteristic of sedimentary rocks like sandstone or shale.
- ✔ Blank after “Cementing & Compaction” = sedimentary rock

5. Above Sedimentary Rock — “Pressure & Heat”
- When sedimentary rock is subjected to high pressure and heat (usually deep underground), it becomes metamorphic rock.
- The image shows a banded, foliated texture — typical of metamorphic rocks like gneiss or schist.
- ✔ Blank above “Pressure & Heat” = metamorphic rock

6. Final Arrow — “Melting inside the Earth”
- Metamorphic rock (or any rock type) can melt under extreme heat to become magma again.
- This completes the cycle back to the top.
- ✔ The arrow pointing to magma from metamorphic rock is already labeled “Melting inside the Earth” — no blank there, but confirms our loop.

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Final Answers for Blanks (in order around the cycle):

1. Top center (next to “molten material”) → magma
2. Left side (after Cooling & Crystallizing) → igneous rock
3. Below that (after Weathering) → sediment
4. Bottom right (after Cementing & Compaction) → sedimentary rock
5. Above that (after Pressure & Heat) → metamorphic rock

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✔ Completed Rock Cycle:

- Magma → (cools & crystallizes) → Igneous Rock
- Igneous Rock → (weathers) → Sediment
- Sediment → (cements & compacts) → Sedimentary Rock
- Sedimentary Rock → (pressure & heat) → Metamorphic Rock
- Metamorphic Rock → (melts) → Magma ← (cycle repeats)

This is a perfect illustration of how rocks transform over geologic time through heat, pressure, weathering, and melting.

Let me know if you’d like a labeled diagram or printable version! 🌋🪨🌊