Step 1- First, cut up multiple colors of taffy into smaller pieces (recreating weathering)
Candy Rocks
Paterson is home to one of the richest mineralized basalt areas. Basalt is a type of igneous rock which forms from the cooling of magma or lava. Basalt can be found in areas including the Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park & Garret Mountain. Of over 35 specialized mineral formations in Paterson, Prehnite— a pale green mineral made mainly of calcium and aluminum, is most common.
Activity
Recreate the phases of the rock cycle using taffy candy, inspired by the rich geological history of Paterson, New Jersey
Duration: 20-45 min | Difficulty: Easy | Cost: Low
Supplies
- Microwaveable bowl or cup
- Unwrapped taffy candy (multiple colors)
- Microwaveable plate
- Scissors
- Microwave
- Spoon or Spatula
Instructions
Step 2- Loosely mold the pieces together so that they are compact but not into a well-formed ball (representing sedimentary rocks)
Step 3- Next, apply heat & pressure to the sedimentary rock by molding it in your hands until it is round and smooth (representing metamorphic rocks)
Step 4- Then, place the metamorphic rock in the small bowl and heat for about 30 seconds or until the “rock” is melted
Step 5- With caution, because the taffy will be very hot, scoop some of the taffy out and set it on a plate
Step 6- As it cools, stretch the candy out (representing the 1st step in the rock cycle, igneous rocks, which forms from the cooling of liquid magma)
