Rocks, Minerals and other changes in Geology

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Essential Question(s)

1.    How are rocks and minerals related and how do they change over time?

2.      How does fossil evidence suggest changes in the layers of the earth?

url-http://www.graniteschools.org/jr/valley/staff/smedberg/index.htm click on the unit sheet.

 

Please check the classroom for due dates as late work is 1/2 credit.  I will collect some individual assignments to put in the grade book.  Save all work to turn in when the unit is due.  You have a folder and a bag in class to use!

 

Sections I - Basics You must complete the assignments to get the points.

Pts

#

Assignment Title

Due Date

  /30

1

Vocabulary cards (10pts) AND quiz (20 pts) (5 words)

 

  /20

2

WhatÕs my Story?

 

/20

3

Test your knowledge.

 

/20

4

Change is the name of the game

 

/20

5

A chip off the old rock.

 

/20

6

Gravity, an agent of erosion

 

/10

7

Relative dating

 

/10

8

Transferring energy

 

/10

9

Dams, Roads, Building and the environment

 

/10

10

TBA / Choice

 

/ 150.
Section I points (Max 170)

The above assignments and other readings can be accessed at this website..
http://www.usoe.k12.ut.us/curr/science/core/8thgrd/sciber8/geology/html/intro.htm


Pre-Test score __________ Post-Test Score _________

 

Section II - Labs or other work  These assignments are a little bit harder or longer.

Pts

#

Assignment title

Due Date

  /20

1

Rock Collection (Pet Rock?)

 

/20 

2

Rock Cycle game

 

/20

3

Two sided poem (rapid vs gradual)

 

/ 50.
Section II points (Max 60)

 

 

All due dates are given in class on the board be sure to write them down. If the unit packet is turned in late you will lose 50 points from your total.  The assessment will be worth 1/2 credit.              

Your Totals

Points Possible

Grading scale for unit

A  180 Š 200 / B 160 Š 179 / C 140 Š 159 / D 120 - 139

Unit due date

 

 

 

200

Unit score (Section I + II)

 

100

Assessment*  (Landscape model) (Rock test)

 

*The assessment will either be a test, essay, project or other assessment tool that either the student or teacher chooses. 

 

In order to keep your parents informed of your work and what we are doing in class let them see this list of assignments. It must be signed before you turn it in.

 

Parent signature.  __________________________________________  date  __________________

 

Vocabulary words. * These words will be on your quiz and so will 5 other words!  You must make vocabulary flashcards using the index cards from class (or your own). Please put a small G on each card. as these will be from the Geology unit. At the end of the year you will have a large stash of flashcards.  Use the following website for your definitions.

http://www.usoe.k12.ut.us/curr/science/core/8thgrd/sciber8/geology/html/geolang.htm

 

volcano, earthquake, *weathering, *minerals, fossils, sedimentary, magma, metamorphic, *rock cycle, igneous, *sedimentation, *deposition, geology, paleontology

 

 

 

 

 

 


State Science Core (what you will be tested on during CRTÕs at the end of the year)

 

Standard III:   Students will understand the processes of rock and fossil formation.

 

Objective 1:  Compare rocks and minerals and describe how they are related.

a.     Recognize that most rocks are composed of minerals.

b.     Observe and describe the minerals found in rocks (e.g., shape, color, luster, texture, hardness).

c.     Categorize rock samples as sedimentary, metamorphic, or igneous.

 

Objective 2:  Describe the nature of the changes that rocks undergo over long periods of time.

a.     Diagram and explain the rock cycle.

b.     Describe the role of energy in the processes that change rock materials over time.

c.     Use a model to demonstrate how erosion changes the surface of Earth.

d.     Relate gravity to changes in EarthÕs surface.

e.     Identify the role of weathering of rocks in soil formation.

f.      Describe and model the processes of fossil formation.

 

Objective 3:  Describe how rock and fossil evidence is used to infer EarthÕs history.

a.     Describe how the deposition of rock materials produces layering of sedimentary rocks over time.

b.     Identify the assumptions scientists make to determine relative ages of rock layers.

c.     Explain why some sedimentary rock layers may not always appear with youngest rock on top and older rocks below (i.e., folding, faulting).

d.     Research how fossils show evidence of the changing surface of the Earth.

e.     Propose why more recently deposited rock layers are more likely to contain fossils resembling existing species than older rock layers.

 

Objective 4:  Compare rapid and gradual changes to EarthÕs surface.

a.     Describe how energy from the Earth's interior causes changes to EarthÕs surface (i.e., earthquakes, volcanoes).

b.     Describe how earthquakes and volcanoes transfer energy from Earth's interior to the surface (e.g., seismic waves transfer mechanical energy, flowing magma transfers heat and mechanical energy). 

c.     Model the process of energy buildup and release in earthquakes.

d.     Investigate and report possible reasons why the best engineering or ecological practices are not always followed in making decisions about building roads, dams, and other structures.

e.     Model how small changes over time add up to major changes to EarthÕs surface.