Rock-ology: The Hard Facts About Rocks

A chunk of granite rock may look gray and boring, but take a closer look under a microscope and it's possible to see that the rock is made from billions of tiny colorful grains. Each microscopic grain is a substance called a mineral, and it's minerals that are the ingredients that make up all the rocks on Earth. In this book, readers will learn how different combinations of minerals create different types of rocks. They'll discover that metals, such as gold, are actually minerals that can be found in rocks. And they'll learn that some minerals grow as beautiful shapes called crystals that can be made into precious gemstones such as rubies and sapphires. Filled with information perfectly suited to the abilities and interests of an early elementary audience, this colorful, fact-filled volume gives readers a chance not only to learn, but also to develop their powers of observation and critical thinking. From stunning photographs to high-interest facts, this book makes exploring the topic of rocks and minerals a lively, engaging experience.

As a huge volcano erupts, scorching-hot lava pours down its slopes. Soon, however, the lava will cool and become solid rock. This book explores how igneous rock is formed from magma, featuring a clear, accessible, step-by-step explanation of the process. Readers will not only learn about different types of igneous rock, they will also be introduced to some amazing igneous rock formations, as well as find out how people use this special kind of rock. Filled with information perfectly suited to the abilities and interests of an early elementary audience, this colorful, fact-filled volume gives readers a chance to learn and develop their powers of observation and critical thinking. From stunning photographs to high-interest facts about igneous rocks, this book makes learning about Earth's geology a lively, engaging experience.

The sand on a beach feels soft beneath your bare feet, but take a close-up look at the sand under a microscope and you'll soon see that each grain of sand is a tiny piece of solid rock. Inside this book, readers will find a clear, accessible, step-by-step explanation of how weathering and erosion create sand. They will also learn how rocky cliffs are eroded by the ocean to form sand as well as discover how rocks, thousands of miles from a beach, can be worn away into sand that is carried by rivers into the ocean and onto beaches. Filled with information perfectly suited to the abilities and interests of an early elementary audience, this colorful, fact-filled volume gives readers a chance not only to learn, but also to develop their powers of observation and critical thinking. From stunning photographs to high-interest text, this book makes exploring the topic of weathering and erosion a lively, engaging experience.

In the Arizona desert stands a stunning rock formation called The Wave. How did the rock's colorful layers form? How were its wave-like, curves created? This book features a clear, accessible, step-by-step explanation of how sedimentary rock forms. It also explores how erosion by wind and water can shape rocks into amazing structures. Filled with information perfectly suited to the abilities and interests of an early elementary audience, this colorful, fact-filled volume gives readers a chance not only to learn, but also to develop their powers of observation and critical thinking. From stunning photographs to high-interest facts about sedimentary rocks, this book makes learning about Earth's geology a lively, engaging experience.

Beneath our feet extreme pressure and heat inside Earth's crust is constantly forming new, super-hard rock. Inside this book, readers will find a clear, accessible, step-by-step explanation of how igneous and sedimentary rocks can undergo incredible transformations to become a new type of rock called metamorphic rock. Readers will investigate the properties of metamorphic rocks and explore how these rocks have been used to create buildings and beautiful statues for centuries. Filled with information perfectly suited to the abilities and interests of an early elementary audience, this colorful, fact-filled volume gives readers a chance not only to learn, but also to develop their powers of observation and critical thinking. From stunning photographs to high-interest facts about metamorphic rocks, this book makes learning about Earth's geology a lively, engaging experience.

From Stone Age hunters who carved spearheads from rock, to modern-day construction workers building skyscrapers and sidewalks, people have been using rock for millions of years. Today, we build with rock, we use it to make statues, we extract metals and precious gemstones from rock, and we even use it to make pencils! Filled with information perfectly suited to the abilities and interests of an early elementary audience, this colorful, fact-filled volume gives readers a chance not only to learn, but also to develop their powers of observation and critical thinking. From stunning photographs to high-interest text, this book makes learning about the ways in which people use rock a lively, engaging experience.

Which mountain is more than 5 miles high? How was the mile-deep Grand Canyon formed? Where in the world can you visit a giant rock that's taller than the Chrysler Building or an entire city carved into rock? Packed with fascinating facts and plenty of rock science, this book takes readers on a journey around the world to discover intriguing rock structures made by people as well as Earth's most amazing natural rock formations. Filled with information perfectly suited to the abilities and interests of an early elementary audience, this colorful, fact-filled volume gives readers a chance not only to learn, but also to develop their powers of observation and critical thinking. From stunning photographs to high-interest text, this book makes learning about Earth's most famous rocky places a lively, engaging experience.

Some of the rocks we see around us are millions of years old. Rocks don't stay the same forever, though. Rocks are changing and becoming new rocks all the time. Inside this book, readers will follow a clear, accessible, step-by-step journey through Earth's rock cycle. They will find out how igneous rock forms from magma following a volcanic eruption. Then they will explore how the igneous rock is eroded by rain to become sediment that eventually forms new sedimentary rock. When Earth's crust moves, the sedimentary rock is crushed, baked, and transformed into metamorphic rock deep underground. Finally, completing the cycle, the metamorphic rock is heated and melted to once again become magma. Filled with information perfectly suited to the abilities and interests of an early elementary audience, this colorful, fact-filled volume gives readers a chance not only to learn, but also to develop their powers of observation and critical thinking. From stunning photographs to high-interest facts, this book makes learning about Earth's ever-changing rocks a lively, engaging experience.