Earth Science Quiz on Rocks and Minerals

Learning Intentions

• Students will be able to describe how each type of rock changes into another type as it moves through the rock cycle.
• Students will be able to name the three rock groups and provide examples of each.
• Students will be able to explain the formation of each rock group.
• Students will be able to describe how rocks are extracted and used, and evaluate the environmental, economic, and social consequences of rock exploitation.
• Students will be able to evaluate the environmental, economic, and social consequences of mining in the Galmoy Mine.

Key Words

• Mineral
• Rock cycle
• Permeable
• Compressed
• Intrusive
• Extrusive
• Crystals
• Strata
• Deposits
• Soluble
• Natural resources
• Drilling
• Quarrying
• Shaft mining

Uses of Rock

• Rocks are diverse in color, texture, hardness, and mineral content.
• Rocks can be made of a single mineral or multiple compressed minerals.
• Minerals are inorganic materials, not derived from animals or plants.
• Rocks form landscapes and provide essential resources.

Where Rocks Come From

• Examples of materials that come from rocks are: glass, slate, oil, bricks, copper, coal, iron ore, aggregate, marble, and silica.

The Rock Cycle

• Rocks are categorized into igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic groups based on their formation.
• Rocks undergo constant change in a process known as the rock cycle.

Igneous Rocks

• Igneous rocks form from magma rising from the mantle.
• Intrusive igneous rocks form when magma cools slowly beneath the surface, creating large crystals (e.g., granite).
• Extrusive igneous rocks form when lava cools quickly at the surface, creating small crystals (e.g., basalt).

Sedimentary Rocks

• Sedimentary rocks are formed from fragments of other rocks, remains of plants and animals, or minerals precipitated from water.
• Layers of sediments are compressed and cemented together to form sedimentary rock (e.g., sandstone, limestone).

Metamorphic Rocks

• Metamorphic rocks form when igneous or sedimentary rocks are subjected to intense heat and pressure.
• This process transforms the original rock into a new, harder rock (e.g., marble, quartzite).

Human Interaction with Rocks

• Rocks provide crucial natural resources like oil, gas, coal.
• Rocks are mined by drilling, quarrying, and shaft mining.

Environmental Impact of Rock Exploitation

• Mining activities can cause pollution, soil erosion, and habitat destruction.
• Industrial discharge can harm aquatic ecosystems such as rivers and lakes.
• Air pollution from drilling and processing can lead to respiratory issues.

Social Impact of Rock Exploitation

• Mining jobs contribute to local economies but may cause displacement.
• Communities near mines might face noise pollution and traffic increase.
• The extraction of resources can threaten local natural landscapes and impact the local ecosystem.

Economic Impact of Rock Exploitation

• Mining generates income and revenue for both companies and the government.
• Many employment opportunities are created in various industries that depend on rocks for their raw materials.
• Mining projects can have significant financial consequences for companies and governments, if things go wrong, or the mine closes.

Case Study: Galmoy Mines

• Zinc, lead, and silver ore deposits exist in the Galmoy mines area.
• The mine operated from 1997 to 2014.
• The closing of the mine had negative consequences for local jobs and infrastructure.
• Positive consequences included the construction of a wetland area which encouraged wildlife growth.
• The area surrounding the mine is largely used for livestock grazing.

Sample Questions

• Students are asked to explain the formation of rocks.
• Students will be asked to explain the three different types of mining (drilling, quarrying, and shaft mining).
• Students will be asked to define different rock types, their formation, usage, or geographical location.