Have students bring one small rock to class. Each student will personalize his rock by decorating it or painting it in some fashion, as long as part of the original rock is still showing. Have the students describe their decorating choices and what type of rock among those in the rock cycle they have. To represent the cyclic change of rocks over time, have the students redesign or repaint it so it becomes a different kind of rock.
Using classroom art supplies and "found" materials outside, have the students construct a diorama combining artistic tools and natural objects to represent some part of the rock cycle. This will stimulate their creative and art-making skills while providing a real-life visual aid (the natural materials) in combination. Assign different parts of the cycle to different students so they can see the various phases. Collect the dioramas in one place and have the students organize them according to the rock cycle process.
Recreate the rock cycle with a visual flourish. Let students paint or draw the cycle as creatively as possible. Assorted colors can be used to show the distinct phases and the forms rocks take as they evolve through the cycle. Students can practice techniques already learned in art class, such as geometric design or blending colors. Represent not just the rocks but the meteorological and geological processes that propel them through the cycle.
Recast the rock cycle as comic strip wherein rocks assume characters. Practice the unique style of comic book art while expressing the science behind the rock cycle in a novel form. Students can compose black and white or color comics, depending on the preference of the teacher. Each type of rock can assume the persona of a super hero per standard comic book practice.