Earth Science
Unit 4, McDougall-Littel
Minerals and Rocks
We begin with a review of some chemical principles you will need. We define
atoms, elements, compounds, ions, and isotopes. Our focus will be on the solid
state, so the property of density or specific gravity will be reviewed. We look at
how atoms can join to form compounds, and how their formulas are notated.
Crossword Puzzle worksheets.
Asst 5.1 Read 88-102 p. 95 SR 1, 2, 3, 5 P. 102 SR 3, 4
p. 114 6, 7, 8, 15
Chapter 5 Minerals ES.1b,1c,ES.5
A. What are minerals? Be able to write the set of criteria and define each
property.
B. How do they form? There are three main ways
C. What are they made of? Learn the eight abundant mineral in earth crust, as
well as the most common chemical classifications of minerals.
D. How do we identify them? Minerals are identified on the basis of certain
physical tests, including Specific Gravity, which you will be able to perform. You
will be able to use a key to find which mineral matches the set of properties you
have measured.
E. Where are minerals distributed, and how are they useful to us? Know how
different conditions in Earth’s history have made certain minerals more
abundant in some areas than others, and how this has affected human history
as well. What important minerals are found where we live?
Asst 5.2 Read 103-107 p. 102 # 1, 2 p. 107 # 1, 2, 5
p. 115 #16, 17, 18
p. 114 #9, 14
Asst 5.3 p. Read 108-113 102 #6 p. 107 #4 p. 111 # 1, 3, 4 p. 114 #10
p. 115 # 19, 20, 21, 22
Quiz: Define mineral List abundant elements of earth’s crust
Oral Presentation: Adopt-a-Mineral The Adopt-A-Mineral Presentation:
You will prepare and present to the class a 90 second
Presentation about the mineral you have randomly picked.
You will be graded on being able to pronounce the name of
the mineral, writing its correct chemical formula on the board,
presenting a list of its physical properties, uses, value, and
where it is found on earth
The mineral you have selected is: ____________________
Worksheets: Minerals (SG13/R13) Uses of minerals (R15)
Quizzes: Determining SG. Identifying minerals – properties.
Lab: identifying minerals. Write a report on minerals, including ID.
Minerals Test?
_ LAB REPORT ON MINERALS
Part 1: Prepare a brief report on minerals. What are
they? How do they form? Where are they found on our planet?
What good are they (give some specific examples of minerals and
their uses). Each of these topics rates at least one paragraph.
It should be typed or neatly written. (20 pts)
In part 2, describe how minerals are identified. For each
property, describe how to perform the test, list standards or
typical values, and give a specific example from your lab
experience of the result for one particular sample. Each
property gets its own paragraph. You may use the same mineral
for all your examples, or mix it up (tell which is which
though). Show math work for SG determination. (40)
Explain how a key is used for identification, by describing
how to identify one of the specimens from your kit.(5)
Include a bibliography.(5)
Attach lab data sheets. These should be color-keyed to
distinguish between lab observations and information obtained
from reference sources. (40)
Chapter 6 Rocks ES.6,ES.7a,c
F. What are rocks? The definition is not as specific as that of minerals.
G. How are they classified and identified? Again, fuzzier than minerals were.
H. How are rocks formed? Demonstrate familiarity with the concept of the rock
cycle continuously reforming these materials through time.
I. How are rocks used by people, both now and in our history? What rocks are
important to our area?
Notes: The rock cycle. Formation of rocks. Characteristics used to classify
rocks. Commercial and historical value of rx.
In the Lab: hands-on experience with rock samples, classification based
on texture, mineral composition, etc.
Worksheets: Rocks all around You (CT/PS 10)
The Rock Cycle (SG 17)
Roots, Prefixes, Suffixes (CCI 8)
Video: BNSG “Rocks”
Assignments:
Asst 6.1 Read p.116-126 p. 120 # 1, 2, 3 p. 126 #1, 2, 6
p. 140 #1, 7, 8, 9
Asst 6.2 Read127–139 p.131 # 1, 3 p. 137 #1, 4, 5
p. 140 # 4, 5, 6, 14, 19
UNIT TEST