Students will learn about the layers of the earth, rocks & minerals, plate tectonics, soil, weathering & erosion, sedimentary rocks, igneous rocks, metamorphic rocks, the rock cycle, sand, and fossils with this book in the Expanding Science Skills Series. Each lesson includes a teacher information page with national standards, concepts, science process skills, lesson components (including readings, assessment, activities, materials lists, and more), extension activities, and a real-world application. Student pages provide information and essential vocabulary for the lesson; a quick check of student comprehension; hands-on activities, and reading investigation through labs, models, and exploration activities. 78 reproducible pages, softcover. Glossary and answer key are included. Grades 5-8.