Embedded Files
Learning Objectives
These are the target outcomes that we hope you will be able to do by the end of the module:
1. Classify rocks into igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic
2. Differentiate exogenic and endogenic processes
3. Describe how rocks undergo weathering
4. Describe the changes in mineral components and texture of rocks due to changes in pressure and temperature (metamorphism)
5. Cite evidence that support continental drift and explain other phenomena related to plate tectonics
Have you ever been to the Chocolate Hills in Bohol? Have you ever wondered how this wonder of the world was formed?
There are a lot of other amazing rock, sea and land formations that can be found on earth. Let’s look into some related concepts that are behind these amazing formations.
KEY CONCEPT 1
KEY CONCEPT 1
“There are three main types of rocks: sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. Each of these rocks are formed by physical changes—such as melting, cooling, eroding, compacting, or deforming—that are part of the rock cycle.” (National Geographic)
“There are three main types of rocks: sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. Each of these rocks are formed by physical changes—such as melting, cooling, eroding, compacting, or deforming—that are part of the rock cycle.” (National Geographic)
What are the characteristics of the three main types of rocks and how are they formed? Read the brief article from National Geographic and watch the video from Earth Science Western Australia.
Write down what you learn in your notebooks. Be ready to share your answers during the synchronous class.
KEY CONCEPT 2
KEY CONCEPT 2
There are two factors that affect the configuration of the surface of the earth - endogenic and exogenic processes.
There are two factors that affect the configuration of the surface of the earth - endogenic and exogenic processes.
“Endogenic factors are agents supplying energy for actions that are located within the earth. Endogenic factors have origins located well below the earth’s surface. The term is applied, for example, to volcanic origins of landforms, but it is also applied to the original chemical precipitates.
Exogenic factors are agents supplying energy for actions that are located at or near the earth’s surface. Exogenic factors are usually driven by gravity or atmospheric forces.” (Bokuniewicz, 2005)
One type of exogenic process is weathering.
What is weathering?
KEY CONCEPT 3
KEY CONCEPT 3
“Weathering describes the breaking down or dissolving of rocks and minerals on the surface of the Earth.” (National Geographic)
“Weathering describes the breaking down or dissolving of rocks and minerals on the surface of the Earth.” (National Geographic)
What causes weathering? What are some agents of weathering? And what are the different kinds of weathering? Can you give actual examples?
Read through the National Geographic article and take notes.
Because of weathering and other movements on the earth and inside of the earth, a phenomena called “metamorphism” occurs.
KEY CONCEPT 4
KEY CONCEPT 4
Metamorphism is a general term that pertains to changes in the mineral components of rocks due to increased temperature, pressure or chemically active fluids.
Metamorphism is a general term that pertains to changes in the mineral components of rocks due to increased temperature, pressure or chemically active fluids.
Metamorphism refers to the formation of metamorphic rocks. It’s very interesting how they form! Do some research on the process of metamorphism. You may also read the optional reading materials.
Optional Reading
So did all these processes contribute to the formation of the earth? How did the earth’s lands be how it is now?
There’s one more important concept we need to know – plate tectonics.
KEY CONCEPT 5
KEY CONCEPT 5
Continental drift describes one of the earliest ways geologists thought continents moved over time. Today, the theory of continental drift has been replaced by the science of plate tectonics.
Continental drift describes one of the earliest ways geologists thought continents moved over time. Today, the theory of continental drift has been replaced by the science of plate tectonics.
The theory of continental drift is most associated with the scientist Alfred Wegener. In the early 20th century, Wegener published a paper explaining his theory that the continental landmasses were “drifting” across the Earth, sometimes plowing through oceans and into each other. He called this movement continental drift. (National Geographic)
Let’s read more about the continental drift.
LET'S DEEPEN understanding
LET'S DEEPEN understanding
Explore the “15 most amazing landscapes and rock formations” on earth put together by BBC.
Do additional research on some of the land and rock formations that interest you the most (from the BBC article) and relate your findings to the topics that we have discussed. Write them down on your notebooks.
This exercise will prepare you for the collaborative activity and the quiz.
How much did you learn about the Earth's material and processes? What are the new concepts you learned? Are there new ideas that come to your mind?
Scroll up and check Module 2 learning objectives. Are you able to reach the target outcomes?
Keep working on your Change Climate Change Project 🍃🍂
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