Embedded Files
Watch the video to learn about the formation of the earth and moon.
Watch the video to learn about the formation of the earth and moon.
Geosphere
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
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.
Sedimentary rocks are formed via weathering and transport of existing rocks, and then deposition, cementation, and compaction into a sedimentary rock.
Igneous rocks are formed by cooling and crystallization of molten rock.
Metamorphic rocks are formed when heat or pressure are applied to other rocks.
Tectonic Plate Movement
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.
Assignment 2(a): What and Where are volcanoes? Read about how volcanoes function and where they are found. Answer the comprehension questions at the end of the reading and after the video.
Assignment 2(b) Types of volcanoes: Read about the different types of volcanoes and the formations of each. Answer the comprehension questions at the end of the reading and after the videos.
DIAGRAM: Based on the following readings and additional information choose a type of volcano and draw a diagram of that volcano including the pieces and parts of the volcano and what those parts do within the volcano.
Additional Information: Use the video link : Volcano Forming - to help you with the diagram.
Assignment 3: Relative Age of Rocks/Fossils
Watch the video and then complete the linked assignment on Relative Age of Rocks.
Assignment 4: Plate Boundaries - Watch the video on plate tectonics complete the following tasks.
Task - Take notes and draw the different movements of the plates. Plates
Task - Activity - plate movement
Assignment 5: Complete the Activity 5 - Rocks, Rocks, Rocks - using the designated rocks provided for you. Use the reference materials above to help with identification.
csm_asteroid_lesson05_worksheet.pdfcsm_asteroid_lesson05_data_table.pdfAssignment 6: Watch the clip on Earthquakes. Complete the virtual lab. Record findings on the student recording sheet. Earn the Certificate at the end of the lab. Email a "snipped" copy of your certificate.
Complete the virtual lab on Earthquakes. Read through the lab to learn about the S wave and P wave movement. Determine the time, and epicenter of an earthquake in areas around the globe.
*Performance Task Guiding questions:
*Performance Task Guiding questions:
What is the purpose of your project?
What is the purpose of your project?
What do you want others to learn from your project or presentation?
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?
How can you apply/use the information or skills you learned in your life?
Bank of Experiment Examples (or you may choose your own).
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