Rock Transformations Benchmark Study Guide

Some students are creating a model to show how matter can be recycled. Each group creates a model and presents it to the class. Which model best demonstrates the natural cycling of matter?

• A model that uses water to show how flooding can erode sand

• A model that shows how plants can grow taller with direct sunshine

• A model that demonstrates how noncontact forces can move objects

• A model that applies the use of gravity to prove why ocean waves move

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A team of scientists prepares to study the flow of a river through a desert canyon for the next 10 years. The scientists think that the water is contributing to weathering and erosion of the canyon. What kind of data should the scientists collect as evidence to support their explanation?

• Measure the water levels to see if less water can make the same changes in the canyon.

• Record the measurements of distinct parts of the canyon to see if those areas change over the years.

• Measure the temperature of the water to see if the water temperature becomes slightly warmer or cooler.

• Take samples of the water that is flowing into the canyon. Test the samples in a lab to see whether the water and particles that make it up change over the allotted time.

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Nancy noticed that a hill near her house was weathered quite a bit due to wind and rain. How would you accurately describe the energy involved in this process?

• Energy is destroyed internally, which drives the weathering of the rocks on the hill.

• Energy is destroyed internally, which drives the weathering of the rocks on the hill.

• Energy from the sun drives the weathering of the rocks on the hill.

• Energy is not a part of this process.

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Which of the following statements about rock formation is the most accurate?

• All rock types will form under similar conditions but they will have distinct properties.

• Similar processes in different areas will result in rock types with different properties.

• Different processes in different areas can result in a variety of rock types.

• Rocks of the same type result from different processes in similar areas.

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Investigate the image below. Based on the image select the choice that uses relative dating to place the layers in order from youngest to oldest.

• a,b,c,d,e

• a,d,b,c,e

• e,c,d,b,a

• e,c,b,a,d

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You have been studying the three rock types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. 
You also learned that all of these rocks can change over time on Earth. In fact, any rock can change to become any other type of rock. These changes usually happen very slowly. Some changes happen below the Earth’s surface. Some changes happen above ground. These changes are all part of the rock cycle. 
The rock cycle describes each of the main types of rocks, how they form, and how they change. The rock cycle occurs over many years to millions of years.  

According to the passage, how long does it take for rock to form and change?

• in a few minutes.

• quickly, over days.

• slowly, over many years to millions of years.

• rocks don't change, rocks are the same form that they were when they formed billions of years ago.

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You have been studying the three rock types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. 
You also learned that all of these rocks can change over time on Earth. In fact, any rock can change to become any other type of rock. These changes usually happen very slowly. Some changes happen below the Earth’s surface. Some changes happen above ground. These changes are all part of the rock cycle. 
The rock cycle describes each of the main types of rocks, how they form, and how they change. The rock cycle occurs over many years to millions of years.  

According to the passage, what happens to rocks over time on planet Earth?

• rocks change their form and what they are made of.

• rocks remain exactly the same.

• rocks transform into elements.

• rocks slowly burn up and turn to gas in the form of smoke.

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Which statement best summarizes how a sedimentary rock is formed?

• Sedimentary rock forms when sediment from lava cools quickly.

• Sedimentary rock forms when sediment builds up layers of igneous and metamorphic rocks.

• Sedimentary rock forms when sediment and metamorphic rocks combine with heat and pressure.

• Sedimentary rock forms when sediment builds up in water and is covered with more sediment.

Explain the role weathering plays in the rock cycle.

• Weathering is responsible for breaking down rock into sediment.

• Weathering is responsible for the compaction of rock into sedimentary rock.

• Weathering causes rocks to change from one type of rock to another.

• Weathering causes intense heat and pressure that transforms sediment into metamorphic rock.

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While on a hike, Gavin found what looked like a shiny, black rock. He drew a line with it on the concrete to test the streak, and the line was light white. He brought it home and decided to figure out what type of rock he found. He performed a Mohs Hardness Test on it, and it had a hardness of 5.5. He then compared his observations to a table of different common rock and mineral properties. 

Based on the physical properties listed in Table 1, which mineral is most likely the one that Gavin found on his hike?

• Augite

• Biotite

• Hematite

• Magnetite