Merry Christmas!

Well, we just wrapped up chapter 8...in time for Christmas! And, with the prospect of the best snowstorm in years on our doorstep, we can look forward to an exciting bit of meteorology as well. Can it get any better than this!?

When we return, we'll begin a new chapter. But, until then, just enjoy your time with friends and family as you reflect on the many gifts that you may receive, but remember to focus most on the greatest gift of all...and may God keep you safe and healthy during your break!

Καλά Χριστούγεννα!
Ευτυχισμένο το Νέο Έτος!

Chapter 7 to 8 transition...

Golly gee, Mr. Kohrs, do you have to make it sound so formal??

Ha! You're silly. Seriously, tomorrow, Tuesday, December 8th, we take our chapter 7 quiz. We'll also be starting chapter 8. So, bring your books and your brains!

Thanksgiving to Christmas Intermission...

Well folks, now that you've spent so much time being thankful for all of the wonderful rocks around you... :) Let's talk metamorphism!!!!!!

Seriously, we'll begin and end chapter 7 in only one week. Monday, we took notes, which are posted to the left of this message. Wednesday, we'll identify rocks and do some work from the book, Friday, we'll review, and Tuesday next week...well, you guessed it...Chapter 7 quiz! So, hold on!

Thanksgiving...

Aren't you thankful that you're about to have a break!

Today, we head to Mundy Quarry to learn about the business of quarrying rock and what that rock is used for locally. On this coming Monday, we'll take our chapter 6 quiz and start chapter 7.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Chapter 5 Wrap up

Well, we have explored weathering, soils, and karst a bit. Tomorrow (Thursday, Nov 12) is the day of our quiz. Be sure to study! For 4th period, we will also wrap up the karst lab, so bring your maps with you!

Weathering and Dirt...uh, I mean, Soils!

Ok, so it's not as explosive a topic as volcanoes....

But we get to talk about cryoturbation and unloading!!!!

Seriously, in this chapter, we'll explore everything from the two main types of weathering, mechanical and chemical, to the structure and composition of soils...though on that topic we could spend an entire semester. We won't.

Our next field trip is currently scheduled for November 10th. We'll be walking across the street to spend some time at Linville Creek Church of the Brethren's cemetery. Sound like fun! I thought so! Check out their website...

Volcanoes!

There are several types of volcanoes, and these types depend upon the geologic setting in which you find them as well as the chemistry of the magma that feeds them. Today, we began our brief exploration of volcanoes. I say brief, because by the end of next week, we will be finishing this chapter. But, not before we've had the opportunity to explore a number of historically significant eruptions, as well as learn a bit about their chemistry, setting, and hazards.

Those of you who missed the notes due to the field trip, be sure to download them! They're rather minimalist this time...but with a little reading, I believe that none of you will have any problem interpreting them!