What is the most important mineral? Why?
Erosion is responsible for a constant transfer of sediment in a river from
locations upstream to locations downstream. Explain how sediment affects a
river. In your explanation, be sure to include how
• flooding might affect sediment
• sediment might affect the river habitat
Igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rock are all part of the rock cycle.
Explain how metamorphic rocks are part of the rock cycle. In your explanation,
be sure to include
• the features that make each rock type different
• the processes that result in the formation of each rock type
The Integrated Ocean Drilling Program scientists hypothesized that drilling
at the Atlantis Massif would allow scientists to collect rocks from the mantle
of Earth. Explain why scientists make a hypothesis. In your explanation, be
sure to include
• the importance of a hypothesis
• what might be learned from an incorrect hypothesis
• supporting evidence from this investigation
Play the video at: http://www.teachhub.com/video-writing-prompts-chilean-minersrescued (About 3 min.) Then ask the students to complete this writing prompt.
In order to rescue the miners, a special shuttle created by NASA was used to bring the
miners to the surface. This rescue mission took very precise attention to detail because
many lives were at stake.
Break up into small groups and come up with a rescue plan of your own. Remember to
keep in mind the geographical conditions of the area, the dangers of the miners being
underground, and other characteristics that create the hazardous circumstances for the
rescue mission. What kind of equipment would you need? What kind of professionals
would you want to be involved in this mission?
Visit http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/ess05.sci.ess.earthsys.seismic/ for
background essay and interactive activity. Then answer the following questions:

Why and how can scientists use earthquakes caused by volcanoes to predict
volcanic eruptions?

What do scientists use seismometers for?

Compare the four types of volcano-related earthquakes, including how they are
triggered and the types of seismic pattern they produce.

What kinds of seismic signs would you look for that could help predict volcanic
eruptions?
From http://www.pbs.org/teachers/connect/resources/7087/preview/ View NOVA
scienceNOW: Diamond Factory Consider the pros and cons of growing diamonds. For
example:
What could grown diamonds be used for?
Would these new applications make diamonds more or less valuable? Why?
How could having a diamond in a cell phone affect the value of diamond in a ring?
Why might natural diamonds be more desirable and valuable than grown ones for
rings?
What are the advantages of being able to tailor the shapes, chemistry, and
physical properties of a diamond?
Have your thoughts changed on whether or not growing diamonds is a good idea?