EARTH SCIENCE MIDTERM STUDY GUIDE

Mr. Lundy (Earth Science)

Your test will require that you have a good understanding of the following concepts. Use your journal entries, vocabulary, chapter review questions, ESRT, and textbook to help prepare yourself for the test. Note: the test may contain information not on this study guide.

Branches of Earth Science

1. Understand the differences between: geology, astronomy, oceanography, meteorology.

2. Understand what is studied in the following sub-branches of geology: paleontology, vocanology, and seismology.

The Scientific Method

3. Know the different steps in the scientific method (observe, ask a question, form a hypothesis, test, analyze, draw conclusions, communicate results).

4. Understand why models are used in science (give examples).

Measurement and Safety

5. Understand what the SI system (metric system) of measurement is and be able to give at least one  reason why scientists use it around the world.

6. Be able to measure the length of an object to the nearest tenth of a centimeter using a ruler.

7.  Be able to determine the volume of a liquid in a graduated cylinder to the nearest milliliter (ml) or cubic centimeter (cm³).

8. Be able to use a metric balance to calculate the mass of an object to the nearest tenth of a gram.

9. Be able to measure the temperature of something in degrees Celsius with a thermometer.

10. Be able to list the different SI units of measurement for volume, mass, length, and temperature.

11. Know how to calculate the volume of an irregular shaped object like a rock or mineral using a graduated cylinder.

12. Know the definition of density and how to calculate an object’s density using the formula density=mass/volume.

13. Know how to identify and use the following safety equipment: gloves, goggles, eye-wash, fire extinguisher, safety windows, sink, and apron.

Maps

14. Be able to locate the Earth’s geographic north and south poles on a map or globe (same as true north or true south). Be able to label each with the correct number of degrees.

15. Be able to locate the equator and prime meridian on a map or globe (know the correct number of degrees for each).

16. Know the definitions of latitude and longitude and be able to give the latitude and longitude of a point (location) on a map or globe (with the correct units).

17. Know the difference between true north and magnetic north.

18. Be able to label a compass rose with the 4 major cardinal directions (N,S,E,W).

19. Be able to label the 4 main cardinal directions with the correct number of degrees for each direction.

20. Know how to label NE,SE,SW, and NW on a compass rose.

21. Be able to calculate elevation, distance, direction, contour interval, relief, gradient, and the direction streams and rivers flow in using a topographic map.

22. Know how to identify topographic map symbols such as roads, water bodies, swamps, depressions, schools, houses, and vegetation.

Graphs-

23. Be able to interpret basic bar, line and circle graphs.

24. Be able to label the X and Y axes on a line or bar graph, and correctly set up (number) both axes.

25. Know how to use your Earth Science Reference tables to locate and use information such as measurement conversions, measurement units, formulas (density, gradient, and volume), rock and mineral resources, and the geologic time scale.

Minerals:

26. Know the definition of a mineral.
27. Know what elements and atoms are and how they relate to minerals.
28. Know what silicate minerals are and how to identify them using their chemical formula.
29. Understand and know how to test for the major physical properties of a mineral: hardness, streak, luster, density, cleavage, fracture, color etc.
30. Know how to identify minerals and their physical and chemical properties using your Earth Science Reference Tables.
31. Know how to use the Moh’s hardness scale to help identify minerals.

Rocks:

32. Know the definitions of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks and the processes that form them (rock cycle).
33. Know the difference between a chemical, organic and clastic sedimentary rock, and be able to provide examples of each kind.
34. Know the differences between extrusive and intrusive igneous rocks (where do they form and how does their rate of cooling affect their texture (crystal size).
35. Know how to identify the different textures of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
36. Know how to categorize rocks as either mafic or felsic, and be able to tell how each type varies in color and density.
37. Be able to identify a hand-sample sample of a common igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic rock.
38. Understand the different environments of deposition of sedimentary rocks (what types form in deserts, beaches, shallow and deep ocean conditions, and evaporate basins).
39. Understand what is meant by the “rock cycle”.
40. Know the different conditions and processes necessary to transform one type of rock to another type. (ex. sedimentary to igneous or igneous to metamorphic).
41. Be able to define erosion, weathering, stratification.
42. Know how to identify a foliated or non-foliated metamorphic rock.

Solar Arc Model:

43. Be able to label the parts of the Solar Arc Model (horizon, zenith, summer solstice, winter solstice, and spring and fall equinox paths), and explain how the angle of solar insulation and the Earth’s tilt help give us seasons.
44. Be able to define astrolabe, altitude, horizon, zenith, summer and winter solstices, and spring and fall equinoxes.

STUDY TIPS:

 Study with a partner, quiz one another on the vocabulary words listed in this guide.

Ask your partner to explain in as much detail as possible about the topics above. Practice drawing and interpreting topographic maps (this includes calculating gradient). Practice using your ESRT to identify mineral properties.

Note: when you can go through and explain each item on this study guide you are ready.