Rocks and Minerals
Teacher Resources

Rocks and Minerals: Get the Dirt on Geology

By Chris Eboch  
Illustrated by Lex Cornell
Rocks and Minerals: Get the Dirt on Geology offers middle schoolers a chance to look under the hood of our planet and explore the forces that have shaped—and continue to shape—our world. Learn how the earth transformed from a ball of dust and gases to the planet we know today and discover how the earth continues to change through plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, and even wind and water!
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Detailed Book Description

Did you know that minerals were necessary for the beginning of life? Or that geothermal power could provide all the energy the world needs? How much do you really know about the world beneath your feet?

Rocks and Minerals: Get the Dirt on Geology offers a glimpse under the surface of the earth and explores the forces that have shaped—and continue to shape—our world. Readers ages 12 to 15 learn how the earth transformed from a ball of dust and gases to the planet we know today. And they see how the earth continues to change through plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, and even wind and water!

Science-minded STEM activities encourage young readers to think like geologists, while critical thinking exercises, essential questions related to geology, fascinating facts, links to online resources, and more encourage readers to explore their incredible planet.

Rocks and Minerals is part of a set of three Inquire & Investigate Earth Science books that explore the earth, the atmosphere, and everything in between. The other titles in this series are The Science of Natural Disasters: When Nature and Humans Collide and The Science of Weather and Climate:Rain, Sleet, and the Rising Tide.

Try these hands-on geology projects!

  • Map your school or neighborhood
  • Build models of earthquakes and tsunamis
  • Go rock hounding or geo-caching
  • Construct a model turbine
Available In:
Paperback, $17.95
9781619308541
Hardcover, $22.95
9781619308510
Includes: Table of Contents | Timeline | Glossary | Resources | Index
Specs: 8x10 size | 4-color | 128 pages
Subject: Science

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Timeline

Introduction: Understanding the Earth

Look for different types of rock where you live

Make a geologic timescale with a roll of toilet paper.

Chapter One: Earth on the Move: Plate Tectonics

Show types of faults with tortillas and sunflower seed butter.

Chapter Two: Earthquakes Shake Us Up

Study the USGS

Erosion and Earthquake in a Box

Chapter Three: Volcanoes Ooze, Sputter, and Blow

Make Your Own Paper Model of a Volcano

Chapter Four: The Power of Water and Air

Make a model tsunami

Chapter Five: Geologists at Work

Map the water cycle.

Design a water education poster.

Chapter Six: Using the Earth’s Energy

Compare energy sources

Construct a model turbine and see how variables affect it

Chapter Seven: The Future of Our Planet

Map your school using an aerial view

Chapter Eight: New Technology, Clearer Answers

Go Geocaching

Glossary

Resources

Index