Processes in the Rock Cycle Complete Science Lesson - New TEKS 6.10C

This comprehensive unit equips middle school teachers with everything needed to teach the formation and transformation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks through geologic processes in the rock cycle. The resource includes editable presentations, worksheets, student-choice projects, a differentiated station lab, and assessments. Designed for multiday instruction with little to no prep, this lesson emphasizes student-led, differentiated learning, giving teachers time to focus on facilitating deeper understanding.

Essential Questions for Students

• How do metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary rocks form?

• How does each type of rock change through geologic processes in the rock cycle?

Standards Alignment: Meets 2021 TEKS standard 6.10C.

Key Features

• Differentiated supports for learners who need remediation or extension

• Multimodal activities to engage a variety of learning styles

• Flexible formatting—resources are available in both print and digital formats

• Editable PowerPoints for classroom customization

• Spanish translations for vocabulary, a station lab passage, and interactive notebook pages

Instructional Framework: The 5E Model

This lesson follows the 5E instructional model—Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate—balancing inquiry, guided practice, and assessment.

Engage

• Objectives and Word Wall Cards (English & Spanish)

• Teacher file with discussion prompts, engaging activities, and common misconceptions

Explore

• A nine-station, student-led lab introduces the rock cycle and the processes behind igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rock formation

Input Stations:

• Explore It! – Hands-on demonstration or experiment

• Read It! – Differentiated passages (English & Spanish) with comprehension questions

• Research It! – Guided online activity with structured tasks

• Watch It! – Short video with guided reflection

Output Stations:

• Organize It! – Categorization tasks (print and digital card sorts)

• Write It! – Open-ended written responses

• Illustrate It! – Sketching or drawing activities to support retention

• Assess It! – Vocabulary-in-context and mastery-based questions

Bonus Station:

• Challenge It! – Crosswords, games, and mini-projects for early finishers or advanced learners

Explain

• Editable PowerPoints (standard and interactive formats)

• Interactive Notebook templates (digital & print, English & Spanish)

• Note-taking organizers to guide learning

Elaborate

• Student-choice projects focused on the rock cycle to extend or deepen learning in class or at home

Evaluate

• Assessments updated for STAAR 2.0, available in standard and modified versions

• Review worksheets and discussion questions for practice, homework, or class review

Flexible Learning Options

This lesson is designed for both in-person and virtual classrooms. The digital station lab and interactive notebook materials are fully compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides, making them easy to adapt to blended or online learning environments.

This is a finished product; it will be updated with corrections as needed. Future improvements and new features will be sold as a separate product.