Download Rocks and Minerals Study Guide

Rocks, Minerals and Soil Study Guide
 Use your notes in your content journal as well as reread the information in your
Science textbook.
Minerals – Solid objects found in nature that have never been alive.
Rocks – Solid objects found in nature that are made up on two or more minerals.
Hardness – How difficult it is to scratch a mineral.
Sedimentary Rocks – Made up of layers of sediment that are packed down on top of each
other.
Igneous Rocks – Made up of cooled magma (lava).
Metamorphic Rocks – Formed deep down in the ground by heat and pressure.
The Rock Cycle – The process of changing rocks from one type to another.
Think About It:
1. Write a paragraph to explain the difference between a rock and a mineral.
Clay: a type of soil made from certain types of rock dust, holds water well and is common to our
area (Georgia red clay)
Loam: (like potting soil) a type of soil that is a mixture of sand, humus, and clay that is good for
plant growth
Organic matter: parts of soil formed from decaying plants and animals
Particle size: the size of the tiny pieces that make up soil types
Topsoil: the uppermost layer of soil
Erosion: the movement of weathered materials from one place to another by water, wind, or ice
Weathering: the breaking down of rock
Sand: a type of soil that does not hold water very well
*Be able to label the layers of soil.
Why is it easier to grow plants in
topsoil than in subsoil?
A Topsoil has more clay.
B Topsoil has more rocks.
C Topsoil has more humus.
*Be able to answer questions on weathering and erosion.
*What are 3 ways weathering and erosion are caused?
*Write a paragraph to explain the difference between 2 different layers of soil.
How do I study? 1) Make your own study cards. Write the word on one side and the definition
on the other side. 2) Practice drawing the rock cycle. 3) Make a Mohs scale and practice writing
the minerals in the correct place on the scale.
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