Igneous rocks

We started our rock study with igneous rocks.  In Volume 2 of Beyond Five in a Row, the definition for igneous is: Rock formed by the cooling and solidifying of magma.  So to illustrate this point, we made fudge.  I borrowed this idea from the Five in a Row boards.  http://www.fiarhq.com/~gbprnhrz/forum/showpost.php?p=31303&postcount=4  This was a lot of fun and delicious!

Here is how it went.

These are the ingredients in our fudge.  We mixed and melted the ingredients together.

When the ingredients were all mix, we poured the "lava" in a pan lined with foil.

And here are our igneous rocks.  YUMMY!

This is a very good way to demonstrate how igneous rocks are formed.  You heat and stir the ingredients until they are completely melted.  After the ingredients cool, it hardens into solid fudge.  This is how lava and magma cool into solid rocks.

Here is a fun interactive link we found.  It is called Rock Hound.
http://www.fi.edu/fellows/fellow1/oct98/index2.html

Here is a recipe for the fudge we made.

2 1/2 c sugar
1/2 c margarine or butter
2/3 c evaporated milk
1 (7 oz) jar of marshmallow creme
2 c semi sweet chocolate chips
1 ts vanilla

Line a 9 inch square pan or 13 X 9 inch pan with foil so that it extends over the sides.
Butter the foil.
In a large saucepan combine sugar, margarine, and evaporated milk.
Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Boil for 5 minutes and continue to stir.
Remove from heat.
Add mashmallow creme and chocolate chips.
Blend until smooth.
Add vanilla.
Pour mix into buttered, foil-lined pan.
Cool to room temp.
Refrigerate until firm.
Cut and enjoy!