Earth Chemistry
Before learning about rocks and the minerals that make them up, we need to review basic chemistry, including the structure of atoms, the periodic table, and chemical bonds, as it is imperative we understand how different elements interact with one another.
How is the chemistry of cookies similar to the chemistry of the Earth? After watching this quick video, we will ponder this question and hold a class discussion to jump start our chemistry review!
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Differentiating Between Physical & Chemical Changes
http://www.learner.org/courses/essential/physicalsci/session4/closer1.html
Slow but GREAT explanation of how to determine the number of valence electrons of an element (not including transition metals) if you need to see it again!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yADrWdNTWEc
Cell Phone Chemistry
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/next/physics/rare-earth-elements-in-cell-phones/
http://www.rareelementresources.com/rare-earth-elements#.U9JqGPldWSo
http://www.mining.com/infographic-the-periodic-table-of-smartphones-56390/
"Artificial Elements"
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/physics/make-an-element.html
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Why learn about chemistry in Earth Science class? --- Blog About It!
Your assignment is to write a short blog post (at least a paragraph) about why it is important to learn about chemistry within our Earth Science class. You can focus on "basic chemistry" in general or you can look at a specific topic, such as ionic and covalent bonds. How is our understanding of earth science enhanced after learning about this topic? You must comment on at least one other blog post, strengthening and enriching the discussion, which we will continue in class.
Your assignment is to write a short blog post (at least a paragraph) about why it is important to learn about chemistry within our Earth Science class. You can focus on "basic chemistry" in general or you can look at a specific topic, such as ionic and covalent bonds. How is our understanding of earth science enhanced after learning about this topic? You must comment on at least one other blog post, strengthening and enriching the discussion, which we will continue in class.
Minerals: Characteristics & Identification
What are minerals and where are they found? How are the different types of minerals identified? In what types of products can we find minerals? How do minerals differ from rocks?
These are just a few of the questions that we will be exploring throughout this section. You will complete a mineral identification lab activity in order to learn more about how to differentiate between the thousands of minerals on Earth. We will only focus on the most common minerals, though! |
Characteristics of Minerals
http://www.rocksandminerals4u.com/what_is_a_mineral.html
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Mineral Identification
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Mineral Mining: How it affects economies & the environment
Minerals & Gems Questions:
1. What are gems? 2. How are gems classified? 3. What causes certain gems to be a variety of colors? The Price of Precious Questions:
1. What does "conflict minerals" mean? 2. What global and national action has taken place thus far to "clean-up" mineral mining and the products of these minerals? 3. Have you heard of conflict-free minerals or products before this? What are your opinions on this topic? How does it make you feel? 4. Your goal is to research a particular device (brand of computer, phone, t.v., etc.) bought by the school, your family, or yourself to determine if it contains conflict-free minerals. This may be difficult to find, so do some digging! 5. Discover some brands that only use conflict-free minerals. |
Rocks
Rock Project |
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Rock Cycle Quiz Review Questions -- Practice
- Be able to complete a fill in the blank "rock cycle' diagram.
- How is the rock cycle a cycle?
- Does the rock cycle always follow the same pattern? Explain.
- What can you learn from Bowen's reaction series?
- How does sedimentary rock form?
- How does metamorphic rock form?
- How does igneous rock form?
- How does mining occur? (think about your lab)
- What are some regulations for mining?
- How can mining affect the environment?
- What is an ore?
- How are ore deposits created? Be able to explain the 3 ways.
- What are gems?
- How can gems become various colors?