Earth Science for STEM - Weathering Basics

Earth Science for STEM - Quarter 2 - Module 1: Weathering

• Weathering is a process that degrades or breaks down rocks into smaller pieces, known as sediments. It occurs via mechanical or chemical reactions that happen on the surface of rocks or inside them.
• Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that the government of the Philippines holds no copyright over any work, but prior approval from the agency where the work was created is required for any profit-making exploitation of such work.
• Weathering is affected by water, ice, acids, salts, plants, animals, gravity, and fluctuating temperatures.
• There are three main types of weathering:
  • Physical weathering breaks down rocks into smaller pieces.
  • Chemical weathering Alters the chemical composition of rocks.
  • Biological weathering happens when living organisms break down rocks.
• Agents of Weathering include:
  • Water: Can seep into cracks, freeze, expand, and widen cracks.
  • Salt: Dissolves and concentrates minerals as water evaporates.
  • Temperature: Frequent changes in temperature cause rocks to expand and contract, eventually fragmenting them.
  • Plants: Roots grow into cracks, exert pressure, and cause weathering.
  • Animals: Burrowing animals, and trampling by animals contribute to physical weathering.

What's In

• Rocks are naturally occurring collections of minerals.
• Rocks are classified into three primary types (igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary), categorized by their formation.

What I Need to Know

• The module expects students to identify the agents of weathering, different types of (physical, chemical, and biological) weathering, the processes of each type, and how rocks are weathered.

What I Know

• This is an assessment of prior knowledge about weathering processes
• Questions test understanding of the mechanisms of weathering including causes and effects.

Lesson 1: Weathering

• Weathering is the continuous breakdown or alteration of rocks.

What's New

• This activity involves observing rock breaking, and observing the outcome
• Materials include rocks, a hammer, and a flat surface.

What is It

• Specific agents of weathering are covered with examples
  • Water, both in liquid (seeping into cracks) and solid (ice expansion) forms, is a key factor in physical weathering.
  • Abrasion: rocks wearing against each other
  • Freeze-thaw: water filling cracks repeatedly causes physical breakdown.
  • Exfoliation: pressure decreases as overburden is removed, causing rock slabs to detach.

Types of Weathering

• Physical Weathering and its types: Abrasion and Freeze-thaw are discussed along with Exfoliation.
• Chemical Weathering: Mechanisms like Carbonation, Hydrolysis, Hydration, and Oxidation are detailed.
• Biological Weathering: Processes like Burrowing animals and plant roots breaking down rocks.

What's More

• Short answer questions about weathering concepts.
• Activities involve grouping weathering types.

Additional Activities

• Students create a photographic display or a video of weathering.

Answer Key

• Provides answers to prior knowledge and activity questions.

Assessment

• Comprehensive questions on various aspects of weathering.

References

• Lists resources utilized in the module for further study.