Formation of sedimentary rock
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the formation of sedimentary rock and suggest information that can be obtained from its layers.
Key learning points
- Water in nature always contains minerals.
- Sediments are deposited when wind or waterways slow down or when glaciers melt.
- Layers of sediment form over many years, leading to compaction.
- Sedimentary rock forms when sediment is buried and compressed, and salts from fluids cement the grains together.
- Strata can be used to create a relative timeline and provide clues to the environment when the sediments were deposited.
Keywords
Sediment - a material deposited by water, wind or ice, such as pebbles, sand, or salts left by evaporation
Deposition - the process of sediment grains settling out (i.e. being deposited) from water or wind as their flow slows, or as ice melts
Compaction - a process where sediment grains become compacted (i.e. squashed closer together) during burial
Cementation - a process by which sediment grains are cemented (i.e. stuck together) by minerals deposited from groundwater, turning the sediment into rock
Strata - layers of rock (i.e. several rock beds) formed by the deposition of sediment
Common misconception
Some pupils think that compaction and cementation are the same processes.
Highlight that compaction is due to pressure while cementation occurs when minerals act as a 'glue' holding sediments together.
Teacher tip
Create two mixtures - one of sand and water, the other of sand, water and cement. Use two large gauge plastic syringes to form two 'worms' - one of each mixture. Leave the 'worms' to dry and compare the results. Both have been compacted, but only one is cemented.
Equipment
For teacher tip: 2× large gauge plastic syringes, 2× disposable cups (to use as mixing bowls), sand, water, cement, stirring rod.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keyword to the correct statement.
Q2.Landslides are an example of erosion.
Q3.When fragments of rock hit each other, and as they travel down a river or in the sea, more bits may break off. What is the name of this process?
Q4.Shells are made of calcium carbonate. What would be formed if fragments of shell were added to vinegar?
Q5.Choose the best description of a fossil.
Q6.Which rocks are types of igneous rock?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is sediment?
Q2.What is the main cause of sediment deposition?
Q3.Put the following steps of sedimentary rock formation in the correct order. This sequence should represent the journey from loose sediments to solid rock.
Q4.What are strata in sedimentary rocks?
Q5. occurs due to pressure, squashing sediment grains closer together during burial.
Q6.Strata can be used to create a relative timeline because each layer represents a period when were deposited. The deeper layers are older, and the higher layers are younger.
To help you plan your 9 science lesson on: Formation of sedimentary rock, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 science lesson on: Formation of sedimentary rock, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
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