Lab Activity Identifying

Cookie Rocks

Key Features: Sedimentary Rock Characteristics

Igneous Rocks Characteristics Metamorphic Rocks Characteristics

Eating Cookies !

By Kaitlin Coder https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Nys-Earth-Science-And-Living-Environment-Regents

Name: Date: Earth Science Period:

Lab # _______

Identifying Cookie Rocks

Purpose: In this lab you will be able to:

• Apply characteristics of cookies as a means of identifying rock types. • Think outside the box and to be creative!

Materials: 1 of each type of cookie, plate, paper towel, colored pencils Procedure:

1. Obtain one of each type of cookie, a plate, a paper towel, and colored pencils. 2. Choose one cookie. Draw the cookie in the column entitled “Draw a Picture” 3. Using your power of observation and what you have learned about rocks, identify the

possible rock type & defend your answer with specific characteristics. Record your answers in the appropriate columns on the chart.

4. Identify the process that creates this type of rock. Record your answer in the “Processes that create this ‘rock’” column.

5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 for the remaining cookies. 6. Answer the discussion questions. 7. Eat your cookies and clean up your area!

Rules

• Many cookies can have different classifications. • There are no wrong classifications, only wrong reasons. • Quietly throw out any “undesirable” cookie. • Be careful with allergens. Check the package if you have any food

allergies.

Hints for Identifying

Igneous Interlocking crystals Air pockets Glassy

Sedimentary Layers Fossils Fragments

Metamorphic Banding

Cookie Data Table

Draw a Picture of the Cookie

Possible Rock Type

Characteristics Supporting Your Rock

Type

Processes that create this “rock”

Discussion Questions: 1. What are the characteristics of a sedimentary rock you used to identify the cookies? 2. What are the characteristics of an igneous rock you used to identify the cookies? 3. What are the characteristics of a metamorphic rock you used to identify the cookies? 4. Describe another cookie or candy (not used in this lab) that resembles a rock. Explain.

Teacher Information Be sure to check with your students before doing this lab to see if there are any allergies. Even if you use Peanut/Tree-Nut Free Cookies, you have to read the package carefully because these cookies are sometimes made in factories where cross-contamination can occur. Below are some cookies I have used for this lab. I listed the characteristics I see when I look at the cookies, but like I tell my students – there are no wrong answers, only wrong reasons. They will come up with some interesting ideas! Igneous Rocks

• Chocolate chip = interlocking crystals • Nilla Wafers = gas pockets • Mallomars = glassy

Sedimentary

• Sugar wafers = layers • Animal crackers = fossils • Teddy grahams = fossils • Rice crispy treats = fragments • Rainbow chips ahoy = fragments

Metamorphic

• Keebler fudge stripes = banding • Oreos = banding