Earthquake in a Box

Earthquake in a Box

Scientists use models to better understand complex concepts and processes. Model what happens during an earthquake and see what new things you discover.
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Investigate Weather

Investigate Weather

From Climate Change

How is weather different from climate? Weather can be described as day-to-day conditions. From a bright, sunny day to a snowy day, weather can change quickly. Climate, on the other hand, is made up of long-term weather patterns across many years. Let’s explore some of the characteristics of weather.

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Edible Climate Zone Map

Edible Climate Zone Map

From Weather and Climate!

The world has many different types of climates. The United States has several different climate zones as well. With this edible map, you can tell your family about summer climates—after you chew!

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Archimedes Screw

Archimedes Screw

From The Water Cycle!

Greek scientist Archimedes (288–212 BCE) invented a device to move water from a river to a farmer’s field. This device—called the Archimedes’ screw—is a tube with a large spiral inside. When you place the tube in water and turn it, the spiral pushes the water up. Try it!

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Lava Gas!

Lava Gas!

From Rocks and Minerals!

Lava has gas trapped in it. How does it compare to the gas in soda that some people drink?

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Reviews

Praise for other Earth science books in the series

Planetary Science: Explore New Frontiers
School Library Connection 
"This well-written informational book provides readers with accurate, up-to-date planetary facts, vocabulary, primary sources, projects, interesting sidebars, QR codes, and more. Perfect as a reference book for school projects or to satisfy planet enthusiasts, this book's expository text is organized in a readable, highly engaging style. 

National Science Teachers Association Recommends 
" . . . This book from the Inquire & Investigate series from Nomad Press is directed at the middle grades, and combines easy to read text with color diagrams and photographs. In short comic strips (two or three per chapter) the book provides a tour of the solar system led by Dr. Fathima Abadi, a female astronomer. It's encouraging to find a book that depicts a woman scientist as its guide without drawing attention to her gender... 

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