Sachem CSD Common Core Sub-Unit Plan
Grade: Regents/ Honors Earth Science (Grades 9-12)
Topic: Minerals and Rocks
NYS Learning Standards/CCSS:
Learning Targets:
STANDARD 1: Analysis, Inquiry and Design
Performance Indictor 1.2
Scientific Inquiry
Describe current theories about the origin of the universe
Key Idea 1:

The central purpose of scientific inquiry is to
develop explanations of natural phenomena in a
continuing, creative process.
and solar system.
1.2j Geologic history can be reconstructed by observing
sequences of rock types and fossils to correlate bedrock at
various locations.

For example:

Rock Cycle
Key Idea 2:
Beyond the use of reasoning and consensus, scientific
inquiry involves the testing of proposed explanations
The characteristics of rocks indicate the processes
by which they formed and the environments in
which these processes took place.

Fossils evidence indicates that a wide variety of
life-forms has existed in the past and that most of
these forms have become extinct.
Performance Indictor 2.1
involving the use of conventional techniques and
procedures and usually requiring considerable ingenuity.
For example:

Identify rock and mineral samples
Use the concepts of density and heat energy to explain
observations of weather patterns,
seasonal changes, and the movements of Earth’s plates.
2.1m Many processes of the rock cycle are consequence
of plate dynamics. These include the production of
STANDARD 6: Interconnectedness Common Themes
Key Idea 2:

contact metamorphism) at both subduction and rifting
regions, regional metamorphism within subduction
Models are simplified representations of objects,
zones, and the creation of major depositional basins
structures, or systems used in analysis
through down-warping of the curst.
explanation, interpretation, or design.
For example:

magma (and subsequent igneous rock formation and
Use flowcharts to identify rocks and minerals
2.1w Sediments of inorganic and organic origin often
accumulate in depositional environments.
Sedimentary rocks form when sediments are compacted
and/or cemented after burial or as the result of chemical
precipitation from seawater.
Performance Indicator 3.1
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Explain the properties of materials in terms of the
arrangement and properties of the atoms that compose
them.
3.1a Minerals have physical properties determined by
their chemical composition and crystal structure.
 Minerals can be identified by well-defined
physical and chemical properties, such as
cleavage, fracture, color, density, hardness,
streak, luster, crystal shape, and reaction with
acid.
 Chemical composition and physical properties
determine how minerals are used by humans.
3.1b Minerals are formed inorganically by the process of
crystallization as a result of specific environmental
conditions. These include:
 cooling and solidification of magma
 precipitation from water caused by such
processes as evaporation, chemical reactions, and
temperature changes
 rearrangement of atoms in existing minerals
subjected to conditions of high temperature and
pressure.
3.1c Rocks are usually composed of one or more
minerals.
 Rocks are classified by their origin, mineral
content, and texture.
 Conditions that existed when a rock formed can
be inferred from the rock’s mineral content and
texture.
 The properties of rocks determine how they are
used and also influence land usage by humans.
Essential Questions:








Define the properties that compose a mineral.
Describe physical properties of a mineral that help to identify minerals.
Identify minerals using the Earth Science Reference Tables.
Students will be able to use page 16 of the Earth Science Reference Tables to answer questions
about minerals.
Students will be able to use page 6 of the Earth Science Reference Tables to answer questions about
the rock cycle.
Describe how sedimentary rocks form.
Describe how igneous rocks form.
Describe how metamorphic rocks form.
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Students will be able to use page 6 of the Earth Science Reference Tables to answer questions about
igneous rocks
Students will be able to identify igneous rocks using the Earth Science Reference Tables
Students will be able to use page 7 of the Earth Science Reference Tables to answer questions about
sedimentary rocks
Students will be able to identify sedimentary rocks using the Earth Science Reference Tables.
Students will be able to use page 7 of the Earth Science Reference Tables to answer questions about
metamorphic rocks.
Students will be able to identify metamorphic rocks using the Earth Science Reference Tables.
Vocabulary
A. Content/Domain/Text-Specific Vocabulary
B. Academic Vocabulary
Bioclastic Sedimentary Rock
Luster
Abundant
Non-Renewable
Chemical Sedimentary Rock
Magma
Recrystallization
Organic
Clastic Sedimentary Rock
Grains
Monominerallic
Compacted
Cemented
Solidification
Molten
Eruption
Distinguish
Uniform
Intergrown
Precipitation (of minerals)
Undergo
Distorted
Regional Metamorphism
Structure
Banding
Fragments
Fragmented
Cleavage
Metamorphism
Contact Metamorphism
Extrusive Igneous Rock
Foliation
Fossil
Fracture
Hardness
Igneous Rock
Metamorphic Rocks
Mineral
Mineral Resources
Organic
Rock Cycle
Sedimentary Rocks
Inorganic
Streak
Intrusive Igneous Rock
Texture
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Contact
Compose
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Topics/Key Concepts
Performance Indictor 1.2
Describe current theories about the origin of the universe and solar system.
1.2j Geologic history can be reconstructed by observing sequences of rock types and fossils to correlate bedrock at
various locations.

The characteristics of rocks indicate the processes by which they formed and the environments in which
these processes took place.

Fossils evidence indicates that a wide variety of life-forms has existed in the past and that most of these forms
have become extinct.
Performance Indictor 2.1
Use the concepts of density and heat energy to explain observations of weather patterns,
seasonal changes, and the movements of Earth’s plates.
2.1m Many processes of the rock cycle are consequence of plate dynamics. These include the production of magma
(and subsequent igneous rock formation and contact metamorphism) at both subduction and rifting regions, regional
metamorphism within subduction zones, and the creation of major depositional basins through down-warping of the
curst.
2.1w Sediments of inorganic and organic origin often accumulate in depositional environments.
Sedimentary rocks form when sediments are compacted and/or cemented after burial or as the result of chemical
precipitation from seawater.
Performance Indicator 3.1
Explain the properties of materials in terms of the arrangement and properties of the atoms that compose them.
3.1a Minerals have physical properties determined by their chemical composition and crystal structure.
 Minerals can be identified by well-defined physical and chemical properties, such as cleavage, fracture, color,
density, hardness, streak, luster, crystal shape, and reaction with acid.
 Chemical composition and physical properties determine how minerals are used by humans.
3.1b Minerals are formed inorganically by the process of crystallization as a result of specific environmental
conditions. These include:
 cooling and solidification of magma
 precipitation from water caused by such processes as evaporation, chemical reactions, and temperature
changes
 rearrangement of atoms in existing minerals subjected to conditions of high temperature and pressure.
3.1c Rocks are usually composed of one or more minerals.
 Rocks are classified by their origin, mineral content, and texture.
 Conditions that existed when a rock formed can be inferred from the rock’s mineral content and texture.
 The properties of rocks determine how they are used and also influence land usage by humans.
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Required Anchor Documents/Texts/Resources
UPCO’s Physical Setting: Earth Science Robert B. Sigda
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Chapter 3 “Minerals and Rocks” p.47-77
Earth Science Heath; Spaulding Namowitz
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Chapter 3 “Atoms to Minerals” p.28-45
Chapter 4 “How to Know the Minerals” p. 46-61
Chapter 5 “How Earth’s Rocks Were Formed” p.62-83
Lab #10 – Physical Properties of Minerals
Lab #11 – Rock Differentiation
Reading: Mineral Properties
Common Core Aligned Writing Task
Lab #10 – Physical Properties of Minerals
Lab #11 – Rock Differentiation
Writing Assignment: Mineral Properties
Supplemental Documents/Texts/Resources:
You-Tube Video Clips….
Basic Rock Identification: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vgNvXdkQaU
Mineral Characteristics: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7wJP_K_sAQ
Suggested Activities:
Students will identify minerals, igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks and metamorphic rocks.
Formative Assessments:
Quizzes, Lab Exercises, Classwork, and Homework Assignments
Summative Assessments:
Unit Exam, “Rocks and Minerals”. All questions will be from past NY State Regents Exams (2000 to
2012).
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