Badlands Geology

In science, it is our duty to ask "Why?" and "How?" questions about things that are around us (like rocks). Then it is our duty to blog about it. I have a couple of those questions for you, Crazy 8s:

This is a picture taken in the Badlands of South Dakota (there are other "badlands", too). The rocks that you see are sedimentary rocks, and they have NOT always been there. Use your knowledge of the rock cycle to answer these questions: (If you need a refresher, view the rock cycle prezi in the blog post below this one.)

1. How did these sedimentary rocks get here? (What are some of the events that could lead to the formation of sedimentary rocks?) Be specific.
2. Some of the layers of sedimentary rock have a dark, reddish color. This is due to the oxidation (rusting) of the iron present in those rocks. Oxidation/Weathering happens the fastest when the air is hot and humid. However, the current climate of the Badlands is often cold and dry. How can this be explained? What can scientists conclude about the history of this region?
   

The Rock Cycle

Remember to turn in your "Life Cycle of a Grain of Sand" assignment... This prezi might help you recall the types of rock it might become. Be sure to explain the processes as well.

Rocks.... on Prezi

Identifying Minerals

In the past few days in science, your view of minerals has likely changed. You've discovered that there are many different classes/types of minerals -- each with a unique set of properties that allows us to identify one mineral from another.
In your comment, completely answer the following questions. If you don't want your comment to be published, that is fine! Just let me know in the comment you leave.

1. Minerals are identified by their properties. What are some of the properties you used to distinguish one mineral from another? Why is it best to use more than just one or two of these properties?
   
2. Did some of the properties "work" better than others? Which ones were the most effective? Which were the least effective? Explain.
   
3. What was the most difficult part of identifying minerals?
   

Stoichiometry Websites

Stoichiometry (balancing chemical equations) can be hard. However, things that come with difficulty can often reap the greatest rewards. Some examples:

• Hardship: The San Francisco Giants endure over 50 years of heartbreak and losing. Reward: Last night, they overcome this history and win the World Series.
• Hardship: Scandinavian immigrants settle in the Midwestern US. They suffer through famine, disease, freezing temperatures, and death. Reward: They live in, and represent the strength of, a country built on individual freedom and liberty.
• Hardship: You don't get how to balance chemical equations. Reward: Through hard work you figure it out. You have a head start in high school chemistry, and you understand more about chemical equations.

Try these websites below to help you balance chemical equations:

Chem Balancer Element Balancing

Do you get it? Let me know, please.