Books in Rocks: The Hard Facts series

The sand on a beach feels soft beneath your bare feet, but take a close-up look at the sand under a microscope and you'll soon see that each grain of sand is a tiny piece of solid rock. Inside this book, readers will find a clear, accessible, step-by-step explanation of how weathering and erosion create sand. They will also learn how rocky cliffs are eroded by the ocean to form sand as well as discover how rocks, thousands of miles from a beach, can be worn away into sand that is carried by rivers into the ocean and onto beaches. Filled with information perfectly suited to the abilities and interests of an early elementary audience, this colorful, fact-filled volume gives readers a chance not only to learn, but also to develop their powers of observation and critical thinking. From stunning photographs to high-interest text, this book makes exploring the topic of weathering and erosion a lively, engaging experience.

Sedimentary rocks form from built-up layers of eroded rock and plant matter pressed together over time. At-level text and graphic organizers explore how the makeup of sediment, rock formation, and identifying different kinds of sedimentary rocks. Readers will also learn how fossils form in sedimentary rocks, and the role sedimentary rocks play in the rock cycle. The interactive eBook version features videos, graphic organizers, and photographs that further illustrate subjects explored in the print version.

Igneous rocks form when molten rock cools and hardens. Readers will learn how differences in composition and cooling form different types of igneous rocks. Chapters include graphic organizers to help explain topics such as mountain formation, volcanoes, and how igneous rocks fit into the larger rock cycle. The interactive eBook version of this book includes high-interest information that expands on the topics covered in the print version. These additional photographs, videos, and graphic organizers provided an enriched experience of the book.

Sedimentary rocks form from built-up layers of eroded rock and plant matter pressed together over time. At-level text and graphic organizers explore how the makeup of sediment, rock formation, and identifying different kinds of sedimentary rocks. Readers will also learn how fossils form in sedimentary rocks, and the role sedimentary rocks play in the rock cycle. The interactive eBook version features videos, graphic organizers, and photographs that further illustrate subjects explored in the print version.

Rocks break down through the processes of erosion and weathering. Readers will learn through graphic organizers and simple, at-level text what causes erosion and weathering, and how this process is part of the rock cycle. Chapters explore topics such as how erosion and weathering create landforms and form sediment. The human role in erosion and weathering is also explained: both how human actions can exacerbate these processes and steps people take to slow them down.

In the Arizona desert stands a stunning rock formation called The Wave. How did the rock's colorful layers form? How were its wave-like, curves created? This book features a clear, accessible, step-by-step explanation of how sedimentary rock forms. It also explores how erosion by wind and water can shape rocks into amazing structures. Filled with information perfectly suited to the abilities and interests of an early elementary audience, this colorful, fact-filled volume gives readers a chance not only to learn, but also to develop their powers of observation and critical thinking. From stunning photographs to high-interest facts about sedimentary rocks, this book makes learning about Earth's geology a lively, engaging experience.

“Metamorphosis” means “change,” and metamorphic rocks are rocks that have been transformed by heat and pressure. Chapters focus on explaining the forces that can change rocks, how metamorphic rocks are classified, and graphic organizers help illustrate how metamorphic rocks are part of the rock cycle. Graphic organizers, photographs, and videos in the interactive eBook version give readers a more in-depth look at the information covered in the print version. These features provide readers with interactive experience of the book.