Rocks, Minerals & Rock Cycle (Vocab set #1)

During a science class, Jaden and Harper found a shiny, solid object in the schoolyard. Their teacher explained that it was a ______, a solid, naturally formed substance that always has the same composition and the same properties.

• Mineral

• Liquid

• Gas

• Mixture

Answer explanation

A mineral is a solid, naturally occurring substance with a consistent composition and properties. Unlike liquids, gases, or mixtures, minerals have a defined structure, making 'mineral' the correct choice for the blank.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

During a nature walk, Jack and Ellen found a hard, solid object made up of a combination of minerals and other natural materials. Fill in the blank: The object they found is a ______.

• Rock

• Plastic

• Glass

• Metal

Answer explanation

A rock is defined as a naturally formed combination of minerals and other natural materials, making it the correct choice. The other options, such as plastic, glass, and metal, are not naturally occurring combinations.

Harper and JP are learning about molecules in science class. They discover that a ______ is a molecule that is made of one or more atoms of different elements.

• Compound

• Element

• Mixture

• Isotope

Answer explanation

A compound is defined as a molecule that consists of two or more different elements chemically bonded together. In contrast, an element is a pure substance made of only one type of atom, while mixtures and isotopes do not fit this definition.

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NGSS.MS-PS1-1

During a science field trip, Mitchell and Mia observe rocks near a volcano. Their teacher asks, "What type of rock is formed from magma or lava?" Fill in the blank: ______ rock is rock formed from magma or lava.

• Igneous

• Sedimentary

• Metamorphic

• Limestone

Answer explanation

Igneous rock is formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. This distinguishes it from sedimentary rock, which forms from the accumulation of sediments, and metamorphic rock, which arises from the alteration of existing rocks.

During a geology field trip, Jayvyn and Ashlynn noticed that the cliffs by the river had visible layers. Their teacher explained that these visible layers of sedimentary rock are called ______.

• Strata

• Granite

• Basalt

• Marble

Answer explanation

Strata are layers of sedimentary rock formed through the accumulation of sediments over time. Other options like granite, basalt, and marble are igneous or metamorphic rocks, not sedimentary layers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

During a science class, Mia and Owen observe how old rocks break down and new rocks are formed from them over time. Their teacher asks: The ______ is the continuous process of change in which new rocks are formed from old rock materials.

• Rock cycle

• Water cycle

• Carbon cycle

• Nitrogen cycle

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Rock cycle' because it describes the continuous process of change where new rocks are formed from old rock materials, unlike the other cycles which pertain to different natural processes.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Ellen and Jayvyn are studying the rock cycle. According to the diagram, which process can turn sediment into sedimentary rock?

• Heating

• Cooling

• Compaction/Cementation

• Erosion and Weathering

Answer explanation

Compaction and cementation are processes that compress sediments and bind them together, transforming them into sedimentary rock. Heating and cooling relate to igneous rocks, while erosion and weathering break down rocks rather than forming them.

Vivienne and Jayvyn are hiking in the mountains and notice that some rocks have broken down into smaller pieces over time. What is the process by which the earth’s surface is broken down into smaller pieces?

• Weathering

• Condensation

• Evaporation

• Photosynthesis

Answer explanation

Weathering is the process that breaks down the earth's surface into smaller pieces through physical, chemical, or biological means. It is essential for soil formation and landscape changes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Jaden and Lee Ellen noticed that after a river carries small rocks and soil away, these materials are left behind in a new place. ______ means to deposit things somewhere else.

• Deposition

• Erosion

• Weathering

• Evaporation

Answer explanation

Deposition refers to the process of depositing materials that have been eroded and transported elsewhere. It is the correct term for the action described in the question.

Harper left a cup of water on the windowsill, and after a few hours, the water started to disappear into the air. This process is called ______.

• Evaporation

• Condensation

• Freezing

• Sublimation

Answer explanation

When a liquid turns into a gas, the process is called evaporation. This occurs when molecules gain enough energy to break free from the liquid's surface, transitioning into the gaseous state.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-4