Year 8 Earth Sciences

Learning Intentions
E1: Describe the inner structure of the Earth in terms of core, mantle, crust and lithosphere.
E2: Describe the core as made of a liquid outer core and a solid inner core.
E3: Distinguish between magma and lava.
E4: Describe the origin of igneous rocks.
E5: Distinguish the conditions required for growth of large and small crystals.
E6: Identify that rocks are composed of minerals.
E7: Recall the three main characteristics of igneous rocks.
E8: Distinguish between the properties and origin of intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks.
E9: Explain how colour and texture assists geologists in identifying igneous rocks.
E10: Identify examples of extrusive and intrusive igneous rocks using a key based on observable
physical and chemical properties.
E11: Describe common uses of extrusive and intrusive igneous rocks.
E12: Define the term weathering.
E13: Explain the breaking down of rocks in terms of physical changes.
E14: Explain the breaking down of rocks in terms of chemical changes.
E15: Define erosion and list agents of erosion.
E16: Describe the process of sedimentation (deposition).
E17: Identify sediments as the basic components of soil.
E18: Describe soil characteristics including texture, structure, water-holding capacity and
consistency.
E19: Recognise that sedimentary rocks are made from sediments that have been cemented
together through pressure.
E20: Recall that sedimentary rocks are classified by their type of sediment.
E21: Explain how the three types of sediments are formed.
E22: Differentiate between the characteristics of the three different types of sedimentary rocks;
clastic, chemical and organic.
E23: Identify examples of each of the three different types of sedimentary rocks using a key based
on observable physical and chemical properties.
E24: Describe the common uses of sedimentary rocks.
E25: Define metamorphic rocks as ‘changed rocks’ due to heat and pressure.
E26: Recall the Earth’s crust is broken into massive plates larger than continents, called tectonic
plates.
E27: Distinguish between regional and contact metamorphism.
E28: Explain recrystallization.
E29: Explain how diamonds can be formed in metamorphic rocks
E30: Distinguish between foliated and non-foliated metamorphic rocks.
E31: Identify examples of metamorphic rocks using a key based on observable physical and
chemical properties.
E32: Explain that the rock cycle is a model that geologists use to explain the process of rock
formation and change.