Search for Science Fair Projects

1000 Science Fair Projects with Complete Instructions

Geology Science Fair Project

Pet Rock and the Rock Cycle

Medium
Pet Rock and the Rock Cycle | Science Fair Projects | STEM Projects
What type of rock is your pet rock, and how did it form? Rocks fall into three groups based on how they formed. Each type has a different origin. You collect a rock and examine its color and texture. Using those clues, you identify which type it is. Then you trace its path through the rock cycle. You discover how natural forces could change it into a different type.

Hypothesis

The hypothesis is that by understanding the different types of rocks and how they're formed, you can bring your pet rock through the entire rock cycle.

Method & Materials

You will start by learning about the three types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Then you'll learn about the rock cycle where each type of rock is made and eroded and formed again. Next, you'll collect a rock and use paint, markers, or other craft materials to design and decorate it to create your pet rock. Then you'll create a habitat for your pet rock, such as at the beach, in a volcano or on a mountain. Finally, you'll write or draw what happens to your pet rock as it goes through the rock cycle.
You will need a rock, paint or markers, craft materials (such as googly eyes, pipe cleaners, and glitter), glue and a small container to use as a habitat for your pet rock.

Results

This fun project explores the rock cycle through the story of your pet rock. An interesting observation is that the pet rock add depth and detail to the rock cycle story.

Why do this project?

This science project is interesting because it combines learning about the rock cycle with creativity and crafting.

Also Consider

Use different types of rocks to create pet rocks and compare their properties and stories going through the rock cycle. Explore the different types of habitats that can be created for pet rocks and observe how the pet rock changes in the different environments.

Full project details

Additional information and source material for this project are available below.

Related video

These videos explain the science behind this project and demonstrate key concepts used in the experiment.
Learn the story of how pet rock Sadie, the sedimentary rock, was formed!
Share this Science Project:

Related Science Fair Project Ideas

Crayons and the Rock Cycle
Transform crayons into three types of model rocks and see how the real rock cycle works.
Medium
Starburst Candy and the Rock Cycle
Reshape Starburst candies with heat and pressure to model how the Earth forms three types of rock.
Medium
Chocolate and the Rock Cycle
Use chocolate shavings and heat to build three types of model rock that match real geology.
Medium
Share this Science Project: