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Get Full AccessRocks & Minerals (Including Rock Cycle)

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What you will learn from this videoWhat you will learn
- A mineral is a natural solid with a characteristic crystal shape.
- Rocks are made of mineral pieces mixed together.
- Rocks form, break down and move through the rock cycle.
- Discussion Questions
Before Video
What are the different layers of Earth called? ANSWERThe top layer of Earth is called the crust, beneath that is the mantle, and the inner-most layer is the core.
As you move from the crust to the core, the temperature rises to almost 5000°C at the core. The crust is solid, and the outer core is liquid.
Erosion refers to the natural processes that move solid materials from one place to another by wind, water, or other ways.
A compound is a molecule that is made up of atoms of one or more elements.
All rocks have properties. You can observe a rock’s hardness, color, and appearance (stratified or not) to help determine what type of rock it is.
Earth’s crust makes up Earth’s surface. Ocean crust is more dense than continental crust. The crust is broken into large pieces called tectonic plates. Tectonic plates move slowly over millions of years and form distinct boundaries.
After Video
How are rocks and minerals different?ANSWERMinerals are solid, naturally formed substances that always have the same composition and the same properties. Rocks are made of minerals.
Hot water dissolves minerals. When the water evaporates, it leaves behind the dissolved minerals in a crystal structure.
Gabbro is a type of rock used to make roads; granite is used in building materials; coal is used to generate electricity; and shale is used to make bricks.
Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic
Igneous rocks form by liquid magma cooling as it gets closer to the surface of Earth. As the magma cools, it forms igneous rock that will break apart over thousands of years to form sediment.
Rocks metamorphose, or change, when exposed to heat, pressure, or both heat and pressure.
- Vocabulary
- Mineral DEFINE
A solid, naturally formed substance that always has the same composition and the same properties.
- Rock DEFINE
A naturally formed combination of minerals and other natural materials.
- Compound DEFINE
A molecule that is made of one or more atoms of different elements.
- Igneous rock DEFINE
Rock formed from magma or lava.
- Sedimentary rock DEFINE
Rock formed from compacted sediment.
- Metamorphic rock DEFINE
Rock formed from existing rock; heat and pressure cause the minerals to form new combinations or new crystals.
- Magma DEFINE
Molten rock within Earth.
- Strata DEFINE
Layers of sedimentary rock.
- Rock cycle DEFINE
The continuous process of change in which new rocks are formed from old rock materials.
- Mineral DEFINE
- Reading Material
- DIY Activity Guide
- Lesson Plan
- Teacher Guide