It's easy to think that the ground is stable, hard, and always there. But that's wrong. Our planet is dynamic, constantly moving, sometimes violent, but always home.
In this unit, we investigated just how the Earth changes, both in the present as well as in the past. We also investigated how life, closely tied to the only planet known to have it, changed as the Earth did. We will first take a look at rocks and minerals, then the underlying theory explaining so much in geology: Plate Tectonics. Next, we try to understand the violence in which the Earth occasionally imposes: volcanoes and earthquakes. We then travel through time again, but only for entirety of Earth's existence, not the universe this time. And, finally, we bring our attention to the geology of Virginia.
In this unit, we investigated just how the Earth changes, both in the present as well as in the past. We also investigated how life, closely tied to the only planet known to have it, changed as the Earth did. We will first take a look at rocks and minerals, then the underlying theory explaining so much in geology: Plate Tectonics. Next, we try to understand the violence in which the Earth occasionally imposes: volcanoes and earthquakes. We then travel through time again, but only for entirety of Earth's existence, not the universe this time. And, finally, we bring our attention to the geology of Virginia.
Standards of Learning
ES.4 The student will investigate and understand how to identify major rock-forming and ore minerals based on physical and chemical properties. Key concepts include
a) hardness, color and streak, luster, cleavage, fracture, and unique properties; and
b) uses of minerals.
ES.5 The student will investigate and understand the rock cycle as it relates to
the origin and transformation of rock types and how to identify common
rock types based on mineral composition and textures. Key concepts include
a) igneous rocks;
b) sedimentary rocks; and
c) metamorphic rocks.
ES.7 The student will investigate and understand geologic processes including plate tectonics. Key concepts include
a) geologic processes and their resulting features; and
b) tectonic processes.
ES.9 The student will investigate and understand that many aspects of the history and evolution of Earth and life can be inferred by studying rocks and fossils. Key concepts include
a) traces and remains of ancient, often extinct, life are preserved by various means in many sedimentary rocks;
b) superposition, cross-cutting relationships, index fossils, and radioactive decay are methods of dating bodies of rock;
c) absolute and relative dating have different applications but can be used together to determine the age of rocks and structures; and
d) rocks and fossils from many different geologic periods and epochs are found in Virginia.
ES.11 The student will investigate and understand the origin and evolution of the atmosphere and the interrelationship of geologic processes, biologic processes, and human activities on its composition and dynamics. Key concepts include
a) scientific evidence for atmospheric composition changes over geologic time;
b) current theories related to the effects of early life on the chemical makeup of the atmosphere;
a) hardness, color and streak, luster, cleavage, fracture, and unique properties; and
b) uses of minerals.
ES.5 The student will investigate and understand the rock cycle as it relates to
the origin and transformation of rock types and how to identify common
rock types based on mineral composition and textures. Key concepts include
a) igneous rocks;
b) sedimentary rocks; and
c) metamorphic rocks.
ES.7 The student will investigate and understand geologic processes including plate tectonics. Key concepts include
a) geologic processes and their resulting features; and
b) tectonic processes.
ES.9 The student will investigate and understand that many aspects of the history and evolution of Earth and life can be inferred by studying rocks and fossils. Key concepts include
a) traces and remains of ancient, often extinct, life are preserved by various means in many sedimentary rocks;
b) superposition, cross-cutting relationships, index fossils, and radioactive decay are methods of dating bodies of rock;
c) absolute and relative dating have different applications but can be used together to determine the age of rocks and structures; and
d) rocks and fossils from many different geologic periods and epochs are found in Virginia.
ES.11 The student will investigate and understand the origin and evolution of the atmosphere and the interrelationship of geologic processes, biologic processes, and human activities on its composition and dynamics. Key concepts include
a) scientific evidence for atmospheric composition changes over geologic time;
b) current theories related to the effects of early life on the chemical makeup of the atmosphere;