The Rock Cycle

Gr 8–10—This live-action program with colorful graphics explores the basic processes that form the Earth's igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks and discusses the continuous rock cycle. Will Toliopoulos, an environmental engineer, is on-site as he narrates the seven information-packed chapters at a brisk pace. Viewers learn about the formation, structure, properties, and characteristics of the three types of rocks. Everyday examples of how rocks are used—marble countertops, table salt, slate tile, and coal—are highlighted to emphasize the importance of rocks in the real world. While the narrator has a pleasant voice, Australian pronunciation, spelling, and use of the metric system may be somewhat confusing to American students. Subtitles are provided which allow viewers to see the text of the narration during the presentation, making comprehension a bit easier. The fast pace and constant movement lend a contemporary feel to the thorough coverage of the topic. Since so much information is presented, teachers may want to use one chapter at a time with classes so that students can absorb all the details.-—Linda M. Teel, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC