Science Skills
Information gathered directly using senses or tools.
Observation
A layer is solid, extremely hot, and located at the center of Earth. Which layer is it?
Inner core
Rock formed when melted rock cools and hardens.
Igneous rock
The amount of matter in a given amount of space.
Density
What process breaks a rock into smaller pieces?
Weathering
An explanation based on evidence and prior knowledge.
Inference
Put these layers in order from least deep to most deep: mantle, inner core, crust, outer core.
Crust, mantle, outer core, inner core
Rock formed when sediments are compacted and cemented together.
Sedimentary rock
Two objects have the same volume, but one has more mass. Which object is denser?
The object with more mass
What process moves the broken pieces to a new location?
Erosion
A scientist changes the amount of water given to plants and measures their growth. Identify the independent variable.
Amount of water
Why does the outer core behave differently from the inner core even though both are extremely hot?
The outer core is liquid, while the inner core is solid because of the extreme pressure.
Rock changes because of heat and pressure but does not melt. What type of rock forms?
Metamorphic rock
Warm material rises and cooler material sinks. What type of energy transfer does this describe?
Convection
What happens when sediments are pressed together and glued by minerals?
Compaction and cementation form sedimentary rock.
Why should a scientist change only one main variable during an investigation?
To know what caused the results.
DAILY DOUBLE: Scientists detect a change in the path of seismic waves as they travel through Earth. What might this reveal?
It can reveal that the waves entered a different material or layer.
A naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a crystal structure.
Mineral
Explain how convection could occur inside Earth’s mantle.
Hot, less-dense material rises while cooler, denser material sinks.
Compaction and cementation form sedimentary rock.
Any type of rock can change into another type through different Earth processes.
A student records 12 cm, 25 g, and 18°C. What type of data is this, and why?
Quantitative data because it includes numbers and units.
Explain why pressure generally increases as depth increases inside Earth.
Deeper layers have more rock above them, causing greater pressure.
Why are fossils most commonly found in sedimentary rock?
Sediment can bury and preserve remains, while heat and melting can destroy them.
If a material becomes cooler and more dense, what will it most likely do in a convection current?
Sink
Describe one pathway for an igneous rock to become a sedimentary rock.
Weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, and cementation.