Grade 4 · lesson 1 of 4

Sort rock origins

Sort rock origins using supplied evidence and a solved model.

About 18 minutes, plus any extended practice

Supplied materials

All measurements and observations below are supplied classroom examples. They are not data from actual learners or a claim about a particular real site.
Paper, drawing space or a browser document.
Reference card A: formed by cooling molten rock. Reference card B: formed from deposited sediment in this case.
Assessment case 1: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Lava cools and solidifies.
Assessment case 2: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Deposited sand becomes rock.
Assessment case 3: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Existing rock changes under pressure.
Assessment case 4: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Loose sand lies in a stream.
Assessment case 5: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Molten material hardens below ground.
Assessment case 6: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Loose mud has not become rock.

Learn the idea

Igneous rock forms as molten material cools. Sedimentary rock commonly forms from deposited particles or other sediment-forming processes. Metamorphic rock changes under heat and pressure without fully melting.

Igneous means formed by cooling molten rock. Sedimentary means formed from deposited sediment in this case. Metamorphic means changed by heat and pressure without melting. Sediment means loose particles before rock formation.

For igneous, look for the clue “formed by cooling molten rock.” For sedimentary, look for “formed from deposited sediment in this case.” More than one process can happen in a real situation. Answer about the one described in this question.

Read or listen to the four science words and what each means. Say how the first two differ.
Choose two of the short cases. Point to the clue that helps you choose a science word for each one. You may draw or say your answer.
Answer each practice question. Say which clue helped you, then check the explanation.
Use the extra task to make two examples that show different science words. Draw or say what makes each one fit.

Worked example

See the method in action

Worked reference-card problem: a card states “formed by cooling molten rock”; a second states “formed from deposited sediment in this case.” The first fits igneous and the second fits sedimentary. The reason is the described function or change, not the order of the cards or a favorite name. If their descriptions exchange places, their category labels exchange too. Keep the supplied descriptions attached to the correct case.

Your turn

Check your reasoning

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Helpful tips

Use the feature “formed by cooling molten rock” to justify igneous; do not sort by the name alone.
Distinguish sedimentary (formed from deposited sediment in this case) from a different process occurring in the same situation.

See the answer and explanation

igneous

The answer is igneous. In the notes, it means “formed by cooling molten rock.” Igneous rock forms as molten material cools. Sedimentary rock commonly forms from deposited particles or other sediment-forming processes. Metamorphic rock changes under heat and pressure without fully melting.

Take it further

Create one new case showing igneous and one showing sedimentary. Expected: the first explicitly shows “formed by cooling molten rock”; the second explicitly shows “formed from deposited sediment in this case.” Explain the distinction by drawing, speaking or writing. A label without a matching feature is incomplete.

Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. The answer download includes your current choice and any checked feedback. It does not include choices from the separate More practice section. Download that section separately.

More practice: try new cases

Choose an answer for each problem. Explain your method on paper, then use the feedback to decide what to revisit.

1. Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Deposited sand becomes rock.sedimentarymetamorphicsedimentigneous

Need a hint?

Look for the described feature: formed from deposited sediment in this case.
Compare the clue with each science word. Use only what the case tells you; do not add a new event.

2. Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Existing rock changes under pressure.sedimentigneoussedimentarymetamorphic

Need a hint?

Look for the described feature: changed by heat and pressure without melting.
Compare the clue with each science word. Use only what the case tells you; do not add a new event.

3. Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Loose sand lies in a stream.metamorphicsedimentigneoussedimentary

Need a hint?

Look for the described feature: loose particles before rock formation.
Compare the clue with each science word. Use only what the case tells you; do not add a new event.

Your choices are temporary. Feedback appears after you check all the answers.

Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. Keep your own notes or download them before leaving. The score describes these questions; it does not certify subject mastery.

Check the subject sources

These LifeStarter passages, scenarios and exercises are authored for this Academy with AI assistance and review. External resources keep their publishers’ terms. A grade label suggests a starting level; it does not establish alignment with your school’s complete requirements.