Types of Rocks and Rock Cycle STEM Activities and Project Ideas for Elementary and Middle School Students

15 Rock Cycle STEM Activities Your Students Will Actually Remember

Hands-on geology projects for grades 4  –6 and beyond

Are you looking for creative, hands-on ways to teach the rock cycle? Whether you're in a 4th grade classroom, a 5th grade science lab, or supporting middle school learners, these rock cycle STEM activities will help your students truly understand how rocks transform—from sedimentary to metamorphic to igneous—and back again.

Before you dive in, grab this FREE Rock Cycle Word Search to introduce or review vocabulary with zero prep!

15 Rock Cycle Activities That Make Science Stick

These projects combine science, art, engineering, technology, and writing to reach a variety of learning styles. Plus, they’re easy to differentiate by grade level or ability.

1.  Rock Cycle Models

Use clay, paper mache, or natural materials to model how rocks change from one type to another. Bonus points for labeling and creativity!

2. Igneous Rock Identification

Provide a variety of igneous rock samples and let students explore texture, color, and mineral content. Create a class bulletin board to display their findings.

3. Sedimentary Rock Formation

Use sand, gravel, and clay to show how layers form over time. Let students test their "rocks" for hardness and water absorption.

4. Metamorphic Rock Heat + Pressure Experiment

Use wax paper, crayons, or chocolate chips to demonstrate how heat and pressure can physically change substances—just like real metamorphic rocks! 

5. Make a Rock Cycle Video

Have students explain the cycle in their own words using animation, drawings, or even claymation. Great for tech integration and language skills.

6. Design a Rock Cycle Board Game

Students can review vocabulary and concepts by designing their own trivia-style games with rock cycle “challenges” and stages.

7. Take a Virtual Field Trip

Use Google Earth or online videos to “visit” famous rock formations like the Grand Canyon or Giant’s Causeway.

8. Rock Cycle Art: Paint the Process

Turn science into art with a painting project. Have students blend colors to represent transitions between rock types.

9. Virtual Lab

Let students test their knowledge with online simulations that show how rocks evolve over time.

10. Sculpt It!

Challenge students to build a sculpture representing one part of the rock cycle using cardboard, foil, or recycled materials.

11. Story of a Rock

Ask students to write a short story or comic from a rock’s point of view as it travels through the rock cycle.

12. Sorting & Classifying Rocks

Set up a hands-on station where students classify rocks by type, color, luster, and texture.

13. Make a Music Video

Yes, really! Let your students write a rap or pop-style song about the rock cycle—and record it for science fame!

14. Geocaching

Hide rocks around the school or playground labeled with different rock cycle stages. Give clues and GPS coordinates for a mini geology scavenger hunt.

15. Build a DIY Rock Tumbler

For your most advanced tinkerers, challenge them to design a basic rock tumbler and simulate natural erosion and polishing.

Keep the Learning Going

If you want more ready-to-go science activities, don’t miss these classroom favorites:

Rocks and Minerals Bundle of Activities

And if you’re building your science resources, don’t miss my curated list of educational science kits on Amazon to add extra hands-on experiences to your classroom. Click HERE.

STEM Toy Rock Science Kit Geology Mineral Specimen For Kid Geologists

National Geographic Hobby Rock Tumbler Kit

Please feel free to message me with any requests or comments.

Thank you so much!

❤️ Shelly Anton

Promoting Success for You and Your Students!

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Promoting-Success

 

Shelly Anton is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. ** This means there are Amazon affiliate links in these blog posts. This does not mean you pay a dime more when you purchase a product through the link. It just means I am trying to save you valuable teacher time by making it easier for you to find valuable resources for your students, and I earn a few cents for my research and time. Thank you for all you do for kids!