What is the purpose of heating crayon shavings and pressing them together in Ms. Fulton’s lesson?

The intention behind heating crayon shavings and pressing them together is to illustrate how metamorphic rocks are formed. This hands-on activity allows students to observe the process of applying heat and pressure to a material, mimicking the natural conditions under which metamorphic rocks are created in the Earth. Just as heat and pressure transform sedimentary rock into metamorphic rock, the heat causes the crayon wax to melt and the pressure forces the shavings to bond together, resulting in a new solid form.

By engaging in this activity, students can draw parallels between the physical changes occurring in the crayon shavings and the geological processes that lead to the formation of metamorphic rocks, reinforcing their understanding of both rock cycles and the effects of temperature and pressure on materials. This method leverages a tangible experience to clarify the abstract concepts related to geology and material science.