Rocks and Minerals 岩石和矿物

Objective

1. I can identify basic properties of minerals and rocks.

2. I can explain how the processes of weathering and erosion change and move materials that become soil.

3.1 Minerals VS. Rocks 矿物与岩石

Minerals are non-living solid materials that has a definite chemical makeup. This means that each mineral is made up of just one thing.

Rocks, a naturally occurring solid material, are composed of one or more minerals.

3.2 Three types of Rocks

Igneous rock 火成岩:

When the magma is below the earth’s surface, it remains hot and liquid. When it comes up through volcanoes or cracks in the Earth’s surface, it cools and hardens to become igneous rock.

Sedimentary rock 沉积岩:

Sedimentary rocks are formed when sand, particles of rocks, bits of soil, and remains on once-living things are pressed together and harden. This happens through weathering and erosion. They are often in layers.

Metamorphic rock 变质岩:

A metamorphic rock forms when existing rocks are changed by extreme heat and pressure. They are much harder than the two other types of rocks.