Weird and Wondrous Rocks Selection Quiz

Why did people used to think that some of the ringing rocks did not ring?

• Some people tapped the rocks with a hammer that does not create a ring.

• Some of the rocks produce a sound that is too low for people to hear.

• The rocks are made of diabase, which is a type of volcanic rock.

• Some of the rocks have been frozen and thawed many times.

Think about the Caverns of Sonora. Why does the author explain that dripping water creates mineral buildup?

• to show why some of the cave deposits look like popcorn

• to tell how stalagmites and stalactites are created

• to show what led a dog to the cave's entrance

• to tell how a layer of limestone dissolved

The passage says some rocks resemble drinking straws. What does resemble mean?

• are close to in appearance

• are the same color as

• are used as

• are bigger than

Why does the author include information about scientists studying “sailing” rocks in Death Valley?

• to show which type of rocks scientists think will move the farthest

• to describe which rocks scientists think are more likely to move

• to explain how scientists discovered the reason the rocks moved

• to argue that more scientists should learn about rocks that move

Think about the title. How did the author show that rocks are weird and wondrous?

• by answering questions from the readers about rocks

• by arguing which types of rocks are the most beautiful

• by telling how rocks have changed since the beginning of time

• by giving examples of unique rocks from across the United States