Mission 1: Weathering Watch

What is weathering?

• The breaking down of rocks on Earth’s surface

• The movement of rocks from one place to another

• The study of the weather

• A type of erosion

Which of the following is NOT a type of weathering?

• Physical

• Biological

• Erosion

• Chemical

True or False: Weathering and erosion mean the same thing.

Which is an example of physical weathering?

• Vinegar reacting with chalk

• Plant roots growing into cracks of rock

• Ice freezing in cracks and breaking rock apart

• Iron rusting when wet

Which is an example of chemical weathering?

• Ice expanding inside rock

• A river moving pebbles downstream

• Acid rain dissolving limestone

• A tree root pushing into rock

Biological weathering is caused by…

• Plants and animals

• Strong winds

• Rusting metal

• Volcanoes

Fill in the blank: Weathering changes the Earth’s ______ by breaking rocks into smaller pieces.

Which of these changes is RAPID (happens quickly)?

• A rock splitting during a freeze

• A statue wearing down from acid rain

• Roots slowly cracking rock

• Minerals rusting over years

Scenario: You notice red, crumbly flakes forming on an old metal fence. What type of weathering is this?

• Physical

• Biological

• Chemical

• Erosion

Mission Wrap-Up: Why is weathering important?

• It shapes Earth’s surface and creates soil

• It makes the weather change

• It removes pollution from the air

• It only happens in deserts