A simple board game to help students avoid the common misconception that there is only one set path through the rock cycle
Use this game alongside the Education in Chemistry article How to teach the rock cycle at 11–14 and the rock cycle infographic poster.
The rock cycle is a key topic on the 11–14 curriculum. Some of the key ideas students need to know are that the Earth’s rocks can be classified into one of three types: igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary and that they are continually changing as a result of chemical and physical processes.
However, many students mistakenly believe that there is only one set path through the rock cycle. The name ‘cycle’ itself doesn’t help, suggesting a sequence of changes which is often supported by simplified diagrams following one path in a circle. This simple board game is designed to help students avoid this common misconception.
In the game, processes such as weathering and compaction are assigned a number on the dice and students may only move forward around the board when a process is possible from their position in the rock cycle. When they land on a rock zone, they collect a sample card. The winner is the first to collect samples of sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rock.
More resources
- Develop your practice with this ultimate guide to teaching the chemistry of the rock cycle.
- Display this rock cycle infographic poster to brighten up your classroom walls.
- Take a closer look at volcanoes with this article and resource about eruptions.
- Use this lesson plan to challenge learners to construct their own rock cycle and become rock cycle experts.
- Download this lesson plan and find out what happens to weathered pieces of rock in your 11–14 classes.
- Inspire your learners to study geology at university and explain why they need chemistry to do so.
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