Earth's Rocky Past

Most people don't think about the soil under their feet, but basic dirt can reveal a lot about Earth's past. Soil is formed from tiny grains of rock that existed many years ago. It can also form in the wake of landslides, volcanoes, and everyday weathering. This text takes readers underground to examine Earth's many kinds of soil, the microorganisms and inorganic matter that make it up, and the critical role it plays in ecosystems around the world. Helpful diagrams, fact boxes, and sidebars support the information-rich text, which supports elementary science curricula, and colorful images will keep readers engaged from start to finish.

It's hard to imagine the fiery orange lava that explodes from volcanoes as a hardened, black mass of rock, but that process is what forms igneous rocks-one of the three kinds of rock that make up Earth's surface. This important Earth science concept is explored in the text, which also covers the different kinds of igneous rocks, how to use their physical properties to identify them, and what clues they offer about Earth's past. The text also clues readers in to how we use this tough rock as a resource, and how people living near volcanoes use their environment to their advantage. Sidebars, fact boxes, and interesting photos supplement the text's information-rich content.

Heat and pressure are constantly at work below Earth's surface, but sometimes, their amazing effects can be seen aboveground. These powerful forces shape metamorphic rocks, one of the three kinds of rock that cover our planet's surface. Readers will learn how plate tectonics play a role in rock formation, where these rocks appear, and how to identify them based on their physical properties. This text takes its standards-based curricula out of the classroom and into the real world, showing readers how metamorphic rock shapes our lives. The science-rich text is completed with full-color photographs, fun fact boxes, and informative sidebars.

The rocks that cover Earth's surface wouldn't exist without crystals. Written to support elementary science curricula, this text encourages readers to get up close and personal with the crystals contained in Earth's rocks. Along the way, they'll learn important Earth science skills, such as how crystals form, how to identify crystals based on their physical properties, and where in the world they're found. The text also teaches readers how we use crystals in everyday life, and what kinds of hobbies and careers involve working with crystals. This information-rich text features engaging images, fact boxes, and sidebars, which offer opportunities for additional learning.

Minerals are the building blocks of rocks. Formed without any human assistance, these natural substances are used in almost everything people use on a daily basis. Readers will learn how minerals shape our lives and how they've shaped Earth's past and present, as well as how they'll shape Earth's future. The text explores the origins of minerals, where they're found, and why they're important. The age-appropriate text supports elementary science curricula, covering important Earth science and geology concepts. Exciting images show readers Earth's most dazzling minerals, while informative fact boxes and sidebars provide a comprehensive learning experience.

Sedimentary rock covers almost 75% of Earth's surface, but as is weathers away it reveals clues about Earth's past that help us understand our world. This text takes readers inside the layers of sedimentary rock that have covered our planet for millions of years. Readers will read about how these rocks form through compaction and lithification, and how weathering and erosion destroy them. The standards-based text supports elementary science curricula, covering topics such as the many kinds of sedimentary rock, rock identification, and fossils. The text also explores how people use sedimentary rocks, and where on Earth the most beautiful examples are found. Stunning photographs, sidebars, and fact boxes further enhance the learning experience.