The Rock Cycle — Earth Science Practice Worksheet
Rocks are classified into three main types based on how they form. Igneous rocks form from cooled magma or lava. Sedimentary rocks form from compressed and cemented sediments. Metamorphic rocks form when existing rocks are changed by heat and pressure.
The rock cycle shows how rocks transform over geologic time. Magma cools into igneous rock, which weathers into sediment, which lithifies into sedimentary rock, which can be buried and metamorphosed, which can melt back to magma.
No step in the cycle is required — any rock type can transform into any other given the right conditions. The cycle has no beginning or end.
Skills practiced
- Classifying rock types by formation process
- Tracing pathways through the rock cycle
- Identifying examples of each rock type
- Explaining weathering and erosion roles
Practice Worksheet: The Rock Cycle
Instructions: Solve each problem carefully. Show all work clearly. Write your final answer in the space provided or on a separate sheet as directed.
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1.Which of the following is NOT one of the three main types of rocks?
- A. Igneous
- B. Sedimentary
- C. Metamorphic
- D. Volcanic
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2.What type of rock is formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava?
- A. Sedimentary
- B. Igneous
- C. Metamorphic
- D. Fossilized
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3.Describe how sedimentary rocks are formed. Include the role of weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, and cementation in your answer.
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4.Which process changes sedimentary rock into metamorphic rock?
- A. Melting and cooling
- B. Weathering and erosion
- C. Heat and pressure
- D. Compaction and cementation
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5.Label the rock cycle diagram below with the following terms: Igneous Rock, Sedimentary Rock, Metamorphic Rock, Magma, Weathering & Erosion, Heat & Pressure, Melting, Cooling, Compaction & Cementation.; ; [Diagram Placeholder: Draw a circular diagram with arrows] ; ; Write your labels here (list the term next to the correct arrow or box number):; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
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6.What is the process called when rocks are broken down into smaller pieces by wind, water, or ice?
- A. Deposition
- B. Erosion
- C. Weathering
- D. Melting
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7.True or False: Metamorphic rocks can only form from sedimentary rocks.
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8.Explain what happens to a rock during the process of melting in the rock cycle. Where does this typically occur?
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9.Which of the following is an example of an igneous rock?
- A. Limestone
- B. Granite
- C. Marble
- D. Shale
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10.List the three main types of rocks and give one example of each.
Answer Key
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1.
Final answer: D. Volcanic
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2.
Final answer: B. Igneous
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3.
Final answer: Sedimentary rocks form through weathering (breaking down rocks), erosion (transporting particles), deposition (settling), compaction (layers pressed together), and cementation (minerals bind particles).
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4.
Final answer: C. Heat and pressure
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5.
Final answer: Labels (clockwise from top): Magma → Cooling → Igneous Rock → Weathering — Erosion → Sediment → Compaction — Cementation → Sedimentary Rock → Heat — Pressure → Metamorphic Rock → Melting → back to Magma.
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6.
Final answer: C. Weathering
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7.
Final answer: False
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8.
Final answer: Melting occurs when a rock is heated to a high enough temperature to turn into liquid magma. This typically happens deep within the Earth's crust or mantle, often near tectonic plate boundaries or hotspots.
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9.
Final answer: B. Granite
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10.
Final answer: Igneous (e.g., granite), Sedimentary (e.g., limestone), Metamorphic (e.g., marble).
Common mistakes to avoid
- Thinking all rocks must follow the same cycle path
- Confusing sediment with sedimentary rock
- Believing metamorphic rocks must melt to change
- Mixing up intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks
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Last updated: 2026