In this Grade 6 Earth Science lesson from Chapter 3: Rocks, students learn how existing rocks are transformed through the process of metamorphism, in which heat and pressure change parent rocks — such as limestone or shale — into new metamorphic rocks like marble or schist. Students explore recrystallization, the process by which mineral bonds break and reform to create larger crystals or entirely new minerals, and examine real-world examples such as garnet and graphite forming from sedimentary materials. The lesson also includes a hands-on experiment modeling how pressure and temperature can alter a solid without melting it.
Section 1
Heat and Pressure Transform Existing Rocks
During metamorphism, rocks change form without melting. Heat breaks chemical bonds while pressure can flatten minerals. Parent rocks transform into new metamorphic rocks with different properties and mineral arrangements.
Section 2
Minerals Recrystallize to Form New Structures
Heat and pressure break bonds between atoms in minerals, allowing them to rearrange. This recrystallization process creates larger mineral crystals and entirely new minerals within the existing rock.
Section 3
Pressure Aligns Minerals Into Foliated Bands
Under pressure, minerals flatten and arrange themselves into parallel bands called foliation. This gives metamorphic rocks like slate and schist their distinctive layered appearance and ability to split into sheets.
Section 4
Metamorphism Occurs in Both Large and Small Areas
Mountain-building creates large metamorphic regions where both heat and pressure transform rocks. Smaller metamorphic areas form where magma heats surrounding rock or where earthquake forces crush rocks together.
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Section 1
Heat and Pressure Transform Existing Rocks
During metamorphism, rocks change form without melting. Heat breaks chemical bonds while pressure can flatten minerals. Parent rocks transform into new metamorphic rocks with different properties and mineral arrangements.
Section 2
Minerals Recrystallize to Form New Structures
Heat and pressure break bonds between atoms in minerals, allowing them to rearrange. This recrystallization process creates larger mineral crystals and entirely new minerals within the existing rock.
Section 3
Pressure Aligns Minerals Into Foliated Bands
Under pressure, minerals flatten and arrange themselves into parallel bands called foliation. This gives metamorphic rocks like slate and schist their distinctive layered appearance and ability to split into sheets.
Section 4
Metamorphism Occurs in Both Large and Small Areas
Mountain-building creates large metamorphic regions where both heat and pressure transform rocks. Smaller metamorphic areas form where magma heats surrounding rock or where earthquake forces crush rocks together.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter