Learning Outcomes

These indicate what you should understand and be able to do as a result of the section. Each Learning Outcome highlights one main practice of science or engineering that you will use to investigate and explore ideas of Earth and space sciences and key crosscutting concepts that are common among all the sciences.

Section 1:  What are Minerals?

• Carry out an investigation that examines the crystal shapes of common substances.
• Carry out an investigation that determines the most useful properties for describing and identifying different minerals.
• Plan and carry out an investigation in which a variety of mineral specimens are identified according to their physical properties.
• Obtain information about how the arrangement of atoms in minerals affects their physical properties.

Section 2:  Igneous Rocks and the Geologic History of Your Community

• Carry out an investigation that determines the most useful properties for describing and identifying different igneous rocks.
• Carry out an investigation that identifies igneous rock specimens according to their physical properties.
• Analyze data on a geologic map and legend to locate igneous rocks
• Obtain information about how the formation of igneous rocks is connected to plate tectonic processes.

Section 3:  Sedimentary Rocks and the Geologic History of Your Community

• Use models that examine the processes that form sedimentary rocks.
• Carry out an investigation that identifies a variety of sedimentary rock specimens according to their physical properties.
• Analyze data on a geologic map and legend to locate sedimentary rocks in your region.
• Obtain information about how the formation of sedimentary rocks is connected to plate tectonic processes.

Section 4:  Metamorphic Rocks and the Geologic History of Your Community

• Carry out an investigation that identifies metamorphic rock specimens according to their physical properties.
• Use a model that examines how rocks change their shape during metamorphosis.
• Analyze data on a geologic map and legend to locate metamorphic rocks in your region.
• Obtain information about how the formation of metamorphic rocks is connected to plate tectonic processes.

Section 5:  Structural Geology and Your Community

• Use a model that illustrates how rock layers appear when they are folded.
• Use a model that explains the different ways that rock bodies can move relative to each other along a fault.
• Analyze and interpret structural data on a geologic map and cross section to identify folds and faults in crustal rocks.
• Obtain information about how the formation of folds and faults is connected to plate tectonic processes.

Section 6:  Interpreting the Geologic History of Your Community

• Use models and cross sections that explain the basic geologic principles for relative dating of rock layers and structures.
• Analyze and interpret data on a geologic cross section of an area to describe its geologic history.

Section 7:  Geology of the United States

• Analyze and interpret data on a geologic map of the United States to determine the different ages and types of bedrock.
• Construct an explanation for the formation of the major physiographic regions of the United States.