a material deposited by water, wind or ice, such as pebbles, sand, or salts left by evaporation

the process of sediment grains settling out (i.e. being deposited) from water or wind as their flow slows, or as ice melts

a process where sediment grains become compacted (i.e. squashed closer together) during burial

a process by which sediment grains are cemented (i.e. stuck together) by minerals deposited from groundwater, turning the sediment into rock

layers of rock (i.e. several rock beds) formed by the deposition of sediment

Formation of sedimentary rock

Science

In the Atmosphere and Changing Climate unit, pupils will build on their understanding of the carbon cycle and climate change to explore the evidence for the composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere, and the effects and mitigation of increased levels of carbon dioxide and methane.

In the Earth's Resources unit, pupils learned about the composition of rock, the interior of the Earth, and how igneous and metamorphic rocks are made by heating.

Carbon cycle and climate change

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

A material deposited by water, wind, or ice, such as pebbles, sand, or salts

Slowdown of wind or water flow, or melting of ice

What is the main cause of sediment deposition?

Sediments are transported by wind or water

Put the following steps of sedimentary rock formation in the correct order. This sequence should represent the journey from loose sediments to solid rock.

Layers of rock formed by sediment deposition

{{}} occurs due to pressure, squashing sediment grains closer together during burial.

Strata can be used to create a relative timeline because each layer represents a period when {{}} were deposited. The deeper layers are older, and the higher layers are younger.

Wearing down or breaking of rocks while they are in place.

An increase in volume which occurs as liquid water freezes.

 Removal of rock fragments to a new location.

Match the keyword to the correct statement.

Landslides are an example of {{}} erosion.

When fragments of rock hit each other, and as they travel down a river or in the sea, more bits may break off. What is the name of this process?

The shell fragments would not react with vinegar.

Shells are made of calcium carbonate. What would be formed if fragments of shell were added to vinegar?

Preserved remains or traces of a dead animal or plant more than 10 000 years old

Soft body parts of a dead animal found inside a rock.

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Formation of sedimentary rock

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.