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1. Select one (1) of the following questions for research. Research sources of information can include Internet sources, books, articles, videos, etc. Every explanation must include a picture/diagram that helps detail your answer. n
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   • The two most common minerals of the Earth’s crust are Quartz and Feldspar.n
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     • What is the chemical composition of quartz?

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     • What are the different varieties and how do these varieties form?

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     • What is the chemical composition of each of the most common feldspar minerals?

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     • What are some common localities in, or near, Virginia where these minerals are mined?

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     • What are these minerals used for in our everyday life?

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     • Provide pictures/diagrams to help with your explanations.

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   • Diamond and graphite are polymorphs of carbon.n
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     • What is a polymorph with respect to minerals?

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     • How are each of these minerals formed?

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     • Explain why diamond and graphite have very different physical properties. (Example: Diamond is number 10 on Moh’s hardness scale and graphite is number 1!)

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     • What are these two minerals used for in everyday life?

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     • Provide pictures/diagrams to help with your explanations.

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   • What is the Rock Cycle?n
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     • Explain the transitions that take place in the rock cycle as one rock type transitions to another type.

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     • Who is the “founder” of the rock cycle and what is the importance of this person to Historical Geology?

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     • What would have been the beginning of rock cycle in Earth’s history? In other words, what were Earth’s first rocks? How do we know?

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     • Provide a picture or diagram to help with your explanations.

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2. In the Web Research 1:n
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   • State the question(s) you selected to research.

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   • Post a synopsis, based on the results of your research, with answers to the question (and the sub-questions) selected. In the synopsis, include a brief explanation of the significance of the knowledge you learned from your research (two paragraphs) and on the importance to historical geology (one paragraph).

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   • Cite the reference source(s) of your research in proper citation format

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   nGradingThis assignment is worth 15 points towards your final grade and will be graded according to the discussion forum criteria below.n

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   Demonstrates comprehension of research question through detailed explanations.	3 points
   Applies concepts, definitions, etc. from assigned readings or other reference resources.	3 points
   Includes an explanation of the importance to the study of Historical Geology.	2 points
   Picture or diagram provided	1 point
   Writing is clear, concise and free of spelling and grammatical errors. Uses APA Style to cite reference sources.	2 points
   Comments to two (2) other students’ postings.	4 points
   TOTAL

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