Milestone 2

Geosphere

Stepping Stone #1:

Geosphere Cornell Notes

2. Watch the video to learn about the formation and movement of the Tectonic Plates. 

Geosphere

The geosphere includes the rocks and minerals on Earth – from the molten rock and heavy metals in the deep interior of the planet to the sand on beaches and peaks of mountains. The geosphere also includes the abiotic (non-living) parts of soils, and the skeletons of animals that may become fossilized over geologic time.

The Rock Cycle

Beyond these parts, the geosphere is about processes. The processes of the rock cycle such as metamorphism, melting and solidification, weathering, erosion, deposition, and burial are responsible for a constant recycling of rocks on Earth between sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic states.

Tectonic Plate Movement

The primary agent driving these processes is the movement of Earth’s tectonic plates, which creates mountains, volcanoes, and ocean basins. Changes in the rate that rocks are made and destroyed can have a profound affect on the planet. As the rate of plate tectonic movements has changed over geologic time scales, the rock cycle has changed as well, and these changes have been able to affect climate. For example, at times when the rate of plate movements has been high, there is more volcanic activity, which releases more particles into the atmosphere. (See this week’s case study for more information about volcanoes and climate.) Faster plate tectonic movements also mean more mountains are built in areas where plates converge. As rocks are uplifted into mountains, they start to erode and dissolve, sending sediments and nutrients into waterways and impacting the ecosystems for living things.

Stepping Stone #2:

Stepping Stone #3: What and Where are volcanoes? 

 1. Read about how volcanoes function and where they are found.  2. Complete the linked "practice".  80% or higher is required.  

3. Take a screen shot of your score and submit on slate. 



Stepping Stone #4: Types of volcanoes:  Read about the different types of volcanoes and the formations of each. 

 Answer the comprehension questions on a google doc at the end of the reading and after the videos. 

Submit on slate


Additional Information:  Use the video link :  Volcano Forming -  to help you with the how volcanos form and the different types.  

Stepping Stone #5:  Relative Age of Rocks/Fossils

1.Watch the video and then complete the linked assignment on Relative Age of Rocks. 

Turn in assignment and submit on slate. 

Stepping Stone #6:  

2. Use the box of items provided for this lab. 


Density Lab - Turn in lab and submit on slate when finished. 





MOHS Hardness scale
csm_asteroid_lesson05_flow_chart.pdf

Stepping Stone #7:  Complete the Activity Rocks, Rocks, Rocks - using the designated rocks provided for you.  Use the reference materials above to help with identification, hardness and type of rock. 

csm_asteroid_lesson05_worksheet.pdf
csm_asteroid_lesson05_data_table.pdf

Stepping Stone #8:  1. Watch the clip on Earthquakes. 

2. Complete the virtual lab on earthquakes.  Click on Virtual Earthquake Link      Student Recording Sheet

3. Read through the lab to learn about the S wave and P wave movement.  Fill in the vocabulary section on the student recording sheet as you go through the lesson.  

4. Choose an area to study an earthquake.

5. Determine the time, and epicenter of an earthquake in areas around the globe by following the directions to the virtual lab. 

6.Earn the Certificate at the end of the lab.  Email a "snipped" copy of your certificate. 

  

*Performance Task Guiding questions: Think about these questions as you complete your PT. 

What is the purpose of your project?  What do you want others to learn from your project or presentation?

How can you apply/use the information or skills you learned in your life?

You will complete an experiment and complete a technical report of your findings.  

The technical write rubric and continua are linked on the resource page for your information and support.