Discover Metamorphic, Sedimentary, and Igneous Rocks With Us!

Are you preparing to teach your students about the 3 types of rocks? Are you struggling to find samples of metamorphic, sedimentary, and igneous rocks? We understand! It can be hard (and expensive) to provide tangible samples of metamorphic, sedimentary, and igneous rocks, so we’ve found a way to help you make those rock science lessons come alive with a brand-new rock sorting activity!

Rock Sorting Made Easy! 3 Types of Rocks Science Center

This printable rock sorting activity is the perfect way to introduce your students to metamorphic, sedimentary and igneous rocks when you don’t have access to tangible samples of each type. In this rock sorting activity, students are provided with the following materials to investigate and use to boost their Rock Science knowledge and ability to identify the different types of rock. 

This resource download includes:

• Rock Sorting Teacher/Student Instructions
• 24 Metamorphic, Sedimentary, and Igneous Rocks Picture Cards with labels
• 3 Sorting Headers – Sedimentary, Metamorphic, and Igneous
• Recording Sheet
• Answer Key

To complete this activity, students will look at the physical properties of the rock pictured on a card, then determine the rock type seen (Sedimentary, Metamorphic, and Igneous) and place the card in the correct category.

We have included an optional recording sheet and an answer key to make this activity self-checking.

Download and Print Your Rock Sorting Activity Today!

This resource is available as an easy-to-use Google Slides or Printable PDF Resource file. To get your copy, click the dropdown arrow on the download button to select the file format you prefer. Print, cut, and place them in your science center and they’re ready to use!

This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a teacher in Michigan and Teach Starter Collaborator.

Even More Ways to Teach Sedimentary, Metamorphic, and Igneous Rocks

Looking for more ways to teach your students about the types of rocks and how the rock cycle works? Before you go, make sure you check out these printable rocks and minerals activities!

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Read and discover the three types of rock with a set of 3rd Grade Reading Comprehension Worksheets.

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Introduce or review academic vocabulary with a printable Rocks and Minerals Word Search.