Formation of sedimentary rock
I can describe the formation of sedimentary rock and suggest information that can be obtained from its layers.
Formation of sedimentary rock
I can describe the formation of sedimentary rock and suggest information that can be obtained from its layers.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Water in nature always contains minerals.
- Sediments are deposited when wind or waterways slow down or when glaciers melt.
- Layers of sediment form over many years, leading to compaction.
- Sedimentary rock forms when sediment is buried and compressed, and salts from fluids cement the grains together.
- Strata can be used to create a relative timeline and provide clues to the environment when the sediments were deposited.
Keywords
Sediment - a material deposited by water, wind or ice, such as pebbles, sand, or salts left by evaporation
Deposition - the process of sediment grains settling out (i.e. being deposited) from water or wind as their flow slows, or as ice melts
Compaction - a process where sediment grains become compacted (i.e. squashed closer together) during burial
Cementation - a process by which sediment grains are cemented (i.e. stuck together) by minerals deposited from groundwater, turning the sediment into rock
Strata - layers of rock (i.e. several rock beds) formed by the deposition of sediment
Common misconception
Some pupils think that compaction and cementation are the same processes.
Highlight that compaction is due to pressure while cementation occurs when minerals act as a 'glue' holding sediments together.
To help you plan your year 9 science lesson on: Formation of sedimentary rock, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 science lesson on: Formation of sedimentary rock, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Carbon cycle and climate change unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
For teacher tip: 2× large gauge plastic syringes, 2× disposable cups (to use as mixing bowls), sand, water, cement, stirring rod.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Wearing down or breaking of rocks while they are in place.
An increase in volume which occurs as liquid water freezes.
Physical weathering process.
Removal of rock fragments to a new location.