Earth Science Mid-Term Review
The information below is a brief summary of the material covered by mid-term examination. Use this in
combination with your notes, assignments and labs to ensure the best possible grade. For each chapter
listed below, don’t forget to read the “Summaries” at the end of each chapter.
Chapter 1 -- Studying Earth Science
Independent variable
Mass
Dependant variable
Density
Control
Hypothesis
Volume
Scientific method
 Know the steps to using the Scientific Method
 Know the 4 branches of Earth Science
 Be able to tell the SI (International Standard Unit) for mass, volume, and length
 Know how to use the formula for density
 Identify and use science skills
Chapter 4 Earth Chemistry
Matter
Isotope
Atom
Molecule
Ion
Compound
Element
Mixture
 Understand the make-up of an atom (protons, electrons, & neutrons)
 Understand the relationship in isotopes and ions, and elements
Chapter 5 -- Minerals
Mineral
Hardness
Streak
Color
Luster
Ore
Cleavage
Gem
Fracture
Crystal
 Know how to determine each of the mineral properties in a laboratory environment
 Be able to list the seven mineral groups, and identify which is the largest and smallest
 Memorize Moh’s Hardness Scale, and the hardness of everyday items like the ones we used
in the mineral project
Chapter 6 -- Rocks & the Rock Cycle
Chemical Sedimentary rocks
Extrusive (volcanic) Igneous rocks
Clastic Sedimentary rocks
Felsic / granitic
Organic Sedimentary rocks
Mafic / basaltic
Contact Metamorphism
Magma
Regional Metamorphism
Lava
Intrusive (plutonic) Igneous rocks
 Be able to explain how chemical, organic, and clastic sedimentary rocks are made
 Understand the difference between foliated and nonfoliated metamorphic rocks
 Know what properties are visible in intrusive vs. extrusive igneous rocks
 Know the processes involved in the Rock Cycle
Chapter 3 – Maps and Geography
Landforms & Coastal Features
Equator
Hemisphere
Map Projections
Latitude (parallels)
Scale
Longitude (meridians)
Topography
Prime Meridian
Contour line
International Date Line
Contour interval
 Know the 5 landforms and 6 coastal features
 Explain how latitude and longitude are used on maps
 Understand Mercator, Robinson and conic map projections and what each is used for
 Know how to determine the contour interval
Chapter 16 – Ground Water
Universal Solvent
Porosity
Evaporation
Water table
Condensation
Aquifer
Precipitation
Zone of Saturation
Groundwater
Hot Spring
Runoff
Cave
Tributary
 Know the processes involved in the Water Cycle
 Understand the differences between;
 permeable & impermeable
 artesian wells & natural wells
 springs & geysers
Chapter 15 – Running Water
Abrasion
Erosion
Discharge
Oxbow lake
Flash flood
Levee
Flood plain
Meander
Stream piracy
Divide
Hydrosphere
Pot holes
Water Cycle
 Understand how carrying power affects sediments being in solution, or suspension, or bed
load (and percentages)
 Be able to explain the features found in a young, mature, or old stream
 Know the differences between deltas and alluvial fans
 Know how to conserve water