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Home > For Teachers
> Cementation Activity - Let's Make a Rock
There are several processes which help form sedimentary rocks. The artificial rock we will make resembles the formation of one kind of sedimentary rock in which sediments are cemented together by another material. In other sedimentary rocks, the weight and compression of sedimentary layers soften the particles, which flow together and become interlocked when they harden again. All of these processes are too slow for us to see and happen where we cannot see them.
Let's Make a Rock
What you will need: Course sand, paper cup, epsom salt, magnifying glass, spoon or popsicle stick
The challenge: Find out how sediment sticks together to make sedimentary rocks by making your own!
Try it this way: First make a saturated solution of Epsom salt. Add 1 cup (250 mL) of water to ½ cup (125 mL) of Epsom salt. Stir until most of the salt dissolves. The liquid is then a saturated Epsom salt solution. A saturated solution means that you can't fit any more of the solid (the salt in this case) into the liquid (the water) without changing the temperature of either.
Place the sand in a small paper cup to a depth of a few centimeters. Add enough saturated solution of Epsom salt to cover the sand. Mix well. Let the mixture stand until dry, usually 2 to 3 days. Cut off the paper cup and study your new rock with a magnifying glass.
What happens and
why :
Where is the Epsom salt? How does it hold the sand together? As an extra
project, try to find out what kind of natural cementing materials are
found in sedimentary rocks.
- Be sure to check out our other activity dealing with cementation:
Click here to view a complete list of activities that our site has to offer.
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This page was last updated on December 4, 2000
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