Check out the USGS website on topographic maps for more great ideas. This website provides teacher tips and loads of information for topographic maps. 12.E.3a, 12.E.3b Take your students on a journey through the rock cycle with this fun lesson. After my students have been introduced to the rock cycle, I challenge them to create a story about Roger, a metamorphic rock. Students must describe at least three transitions that occurred during Roger's life, such as changing from metamorphic to igneous, igneous to sedimentary, and sedimentary to igneous.
Students have the option of writing a diary, creating a cartoon, or making a children's book.
My students have a great time using their creativity and I enjoy a little of their humorous insights into Roger's life. For this activity students roll a die and travel through different stations to learn about the rock cycle. For this project, students research a mineral using printed or electronic resources to complete a mineral information report and create a Mighty Mineral cartoon. Complete project details and worksheets are provided in the pdf download. Students draw one mineral and I use a master page to keep track of the minerals.