CREATING AND CLASSIFYING SEDIMENTARY ROCKS Introduction There are 3 major types of rocks based on how they are formed: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary. In this experiment, you will focus on sedimentary rocks. Sedimentary rocks are made of sediments, or small pieces of rock, and are classified by their grain size, composition of minerals, and a number of other ways. Sedimentary rocks may be made of silt, clay, gravel, and plant materials. Sandstone is a type of sedimentary rock, characterized by a medium grain formed by cementing sand grains. Conglomerate rock is another type of sedimentary rock, but it is coarse-grained and formed by cemented larger pieces. You will make your own sedimentary rocks and classify them.
Time Needed 2 to 3 days
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What You Need sand, about 1 1/2 cups Epsom salt, 1/4 cup 6 paper cups shoe box plastic kitchen garbage bag sandwich bag dry cement, 1 cup water, about 1 1/2 cups
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CLASSIFYING SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
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4 small rocks measuring cup small stick for stirring magnifying glass
Safety Precautions Please review and follow the safety guidelines.
What You Do 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
7. 8. 9. 10.
Pour sand into a paper cup until it is half full. In another cup, add 1/2 cup water and 1/4 cup Epsom™ salt. Stir the mixture in the second cup. Slowly pour the contents of the second cup into the first until all the sand is wet. Let the wet sand sit overnight until the top is dry. Carefully remove your newly made “sandstone” from the cup and allow it to dry in a warm place for 2 to 3 days until it is completely dry. While you are waiting for your sandstone to dry, you can make a piece of conglomerate rock. Take the plastic garbage bag and use it to line the inside of the shoe box. Pour 1 cup of dry cement, 1 cup of sand, and 1 cup of water into the shoe box. Stir the mixture.
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CLASSIFYING SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
11. Add rocks and continue stirring. 12. Pour your mixture into 3 or 4 paper cups. 13. Allow the conglomerate rock to dry for 2 to 3 days in a warm area. 14. Study your rocks using the magnifying glass.
Observations 1. Using the magnifying glass, how can you tell the difference between the 2 types of rocks you made? 2. In this experiment, you used cement. What in nature might act as cement? 3. What might cause folds in sedimentary rocks?
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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Review Before Starting Any Experiment GENERAL • Always obtain your teacher’s permission for experiments performed at school, and your parent’s permission for experiments performed at home, before attempting any experiment. • Read all instructions for an experiment before starting the experiment, and follow the directions exactly as they appear in this volume. • If an experiment requires adult supervision, do not perform the experiment unless you have an adult supervising you the entire time you are performing the experiment. • Wash your hands before the start of and after each experiment you perform. • Keep your work area clean. • Never eat or drink while performing an experiment. Never taste a substance used in an experiment unless you are told that it is safe to do so. • Be aware of the location of safety equipment you may need in an emergency, such as running water, an eyewash if you are at school, and a fire extinguisher. • If you are going outside, make sure you have permission to go from your teacher and parent. Take a buddy with you, and dress appropriately for the weather. Make sure you or someone who accompanies you is familiar with the area, and bring along a firstaid kit in case of emergency. • Never look directly into the Sun. CHEMICAL SAFETY • Always wear goggles when working with chemicals, such as acids and bases, and near heat sources like flames. If at all possible, avoid wearing contact lenses when working with chemicals. • If any substance gets into your eyes, notify an adult (e.g., your teacher or parent) immediately, and flush your eyes with running
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water for at least 15 minutes. Do not mix chemicals unless you are told to do so by a teacher or parent. • Never touch, taste, or smell chemicals unless instructed to do so. • Keep chemicals in closed containers when they are not in use. • Dispose of all chemicals properly. Do not pour any chemicals or solids down the drain unless instructed to do so. • Use safety gloves and a plastic apron when handling chemicals. If any chemicals spill on your skin, rinse the affected area with running water for at least 10 minutes, and notify your teacher or parent immediately. • Take precautions to avoid spilling chemicals. If a chemical spills on any surface, notify your teacher or parent immediately to assist with clean-up. • Exercise caution when using sharp instruments such as knives or scissors. Always cut away from yourself, not toward yourself. If you cut yourself, notify your teacher or parent immediately. GLASSWARE • Clean glassware when you are finished with the experiment. • Be careful when using glassware. If a piece of glassware breaks, have an adult assist you in clean-up to avoid injuries from broken glass. Never use broken or damaged glassware. FIRE SAFETY • Do not heat glassware that is not completely dry. Do not pick up hot glassware without heat-resistant gloves or tongs. • When heating glassware, keep it away from yourself and from others. • Do not heat anything unless instructed to do so by a teacher or parent. • Do not heat substances in a closed container. • After an experiment, make sure that all heating sources are off and that all flames have been put out.
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• Do not reach across such heating sources as flames. • If you have long hair, tie it back, out of the way. Do not wear clothing with loose sleeves, scarves, bows, ties, or anything else that may hang into a fire. Do not wear long earrings. ELECTRICAL SAFETY • Do not touch electrical equipment when your hands are wet. • Do not plug several electrical devices into one outlet or use an extension cord.
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