# The Rock Cycle > Interactive story and educational game about the rock cycle. (iPhone/iPad app by Sivaraman Sivaswami.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-rock-cycle/id471106554 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Sivaraman Sivaswami](https://appshunter.io/developer/434549791) - Category: Education, Books - Price: Free - Rating: 3.84/5 from 112 App Store ratings · 51 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 8.0 · 29 MB - Languages: English - Released: 2011-10-13 - Data updated: 2026-06-10 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-rock-cycle/id471106554/reviews.md ## What is The Rock Cycle? The Rock Cycle is an interactive story about the life of a rock. Weathered and aged, he tells his life story in this elegant poem. Each stanza is supplemented with interactive images, diagrams, and mini-games. This app was created and developed by a middle school student for a geology assignment. ## Key features - Interactive story - Poetic narrative - Interactive images - Diagrams - Mini-games - Geology education ## Recent user reviews (10 of 51) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-rock-cycle/id471106554/reviews.md ### 5/5 — This is amazing *2023-04-18* I don’t know why, but i love this rhyme even though it is learning. ### 4/5 — Science Stories *2022-04-21, version 1.4* Thank you for the "ROCK STORY". I often spend time with my grandchildren talking walks along the shores of the ocean, lakes, rivers, as well as, swimming and snorkeling. I've often told them of the treasures found at the bottom, mostly ROCKS AND THE STORIES OF THEIR LIVES if you look for them. Consequently they now have small boxes full of treasures. Including SEA GLASS, DRIFTWOOD and rocks of many different shapes, sizes, colors and composition. Having a collection of books with pictures with detailed descriptions of their origins and how they traveled to the PACIFIC NORTHWEST. Your short story helped my long explanations make sense to them and our hunting exciting. Fun and educational. ### 5/5 — This app rocks! *2021-08-04, version 1.4* As a former middle school science teacher, I’m going to be recommending this to friends who teach geology - what an entertaining supplement. Fun for us rockhounds, too. ### 5/5 — Well done *2018-11-20, version 1.4* Keep up the good work, lad. We need sharp, driven, innovative recruits in the sciences. Graduate school awaits. ### 1/5 — Boring *2016-04-29, version 1.3* It was broing ### 5/5 — Excellent *2016-03-02, version 1.3* Great app! Makes learning fun for all ages, even adults. ### 1/5 — Weird *2016-02-24, version 1.3* It is very boring it is a story that as a kid I would never actually read it ### 5/5 — HI MR HOARD *2016-01-06, version 1.3* HI ### 5/5 — WOO *2015-07-11, version 1.3* I absolutely love this app! I never understood the rock cycle before this. But with this app, I get it now! Wow! What a game changer! I absolutely recommend this app and all the other apps that this company has made. ### 4/5 — Cute *2015-06-20, version 1.3* It's cute and it's nice to have a different take on the rock cycle. The shake thing doesn't work for me but pushing next does so no big deal. 4 stars because it needs more graphics. It could really be something truly special. ## Frequently asked questions about The Rock Cycle ### What is The Rock Cycle app about? The Rock Cycle is an interactive story that follows the life of a rock. It uses an elegant poem to narrate the rock's journey, enhanced with interactive images, diagrams, and mini-games to illustrate geological processes. ### What are the key features of this app? The app features an interactive narrative told through poetry, supplemented by engaging visuals, informative diagrams, and fun mini-games. It aims to educate users about the rock cycle in an enjoyable way. ### Is The Rock Cycle app free to download? Yes, The Rock Cycle app is available for free. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements mentioned, indicating a completely free experience for users. ### Who developed The Rock Cycle app? This app was created and developed by a middle school student as part of a geology assignment. This unique origin story highlights a passion for education and science communication. ### What age group is this app suitable for? While not explicitly stated, the app's interactive nature, poetic storytelling, and educational focus on geology make it suitable for students, particularly middle schoolers and above, and anyone interested in learning about earth science. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.4 — 2018-03-06 This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon. Support for iPhone X and iOS 11. ### 1.3 — 2013-04-03 Miscellaneous improvements: +Added a settings menu where you can turn off the vibrating text. +Return to the place where you left off in the story when opening the app. +Or, tap and hold on the Begin button to resume the story. +Improved some of the interactives, including the geothermal gradient. +Support for the iPhone 5 screen resolution. Thanks for all your suggestions from the last poll! I'll keep them in mind as I develop more updates for The Rock Cycle. Don't forget to leave a review or rating on the app page for each new version to support Base 12 Innovations! ### 1.2 — 2012-09-03 -The rock cycle diagram is enhanced with pictures of the rock types. You can find this diagram by shaking the device in the first stanza. -You don't have to shake the device so vigorously now to open the extras. As always, you can tap the vibrating label if shaking is impractical. -Minor bug fixes and improvements. Thanks to all the teachers and students who are using The Rock Cycle to learn about this geology concept! As a 14-year-old developer, I am constantly learning, so I welcome your suggestions on how to improve this app - you can contact me from the About screen. In this version, you'll also have the option to take a short survey (3 questions!) and suggest new features. Be sure and tell your friends and other teachers about The Rock Cycle! Thanks! -Base 12 Innovations ### 1.1 — 2011-11-20 The Rock Cycle 1.1 will only run on iOS 5 or higher. The app will crash if your device is not compatible. What's new: -The Rock Cycle is now available as a universal app! Download this app on your iPhone or iPod touch at no additional charge. -Metamorphic Matching is now randomized. -In addition to shaking, you can reveal the extra content by tapping the vibrating text ("shake to learn more about..."). -Other minor fixes and improvements. ### 1.0.1 — 2011-10-13 Bug fixes ## Apps similar to The Rock Cycle | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Exploring Plate Boundaries](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/exploring-plate-boundaries/id1435336165) | 5.0 (1) | $2.99 | Education | | [Geology Dictionary - Offline](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/geology-dictionary-offline/id1488197434) | 3.4 (5) | Free | Education | | [Geology by KIDS DISCOVER](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/geology-by-kids-discover/id811264333) | 4.7 (3) | $3.99 | Education | | [Geology for Kids: Planet Earth](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/geology-for-kids-planet-earth/id1434353824) | 4.4 (84) | Free | Education | | [Stereonet Mobile](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stereonet-mobile/id1194772610) | 4.6 (13) | Free | Education | | [Folds and Faults](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/folds-and-faults/id425380687) | 5.0 (2) | $0.99 | Education | ## More apps by Sivaraman Sivaswami - [isosceles : geometry sketchpad](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/isosceles-geometry-sketchpad/id554492532) - [FireRoad : MIT course planner](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fireroad-mit-course-planner/id1330678450) All apps by Sivaraman Sivaswami: https://appshunter.io/developer/434549791 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*