Includes bibliographical reference.

Preface iii -- Acknowledgment v -- Pre-Test 1 -- Chapter 1 Studying the Science of the Earth 15 -- Chapter 2 The Universe 25 -- Chapter 3 Solar Systems: Its Key Elements 41 -- Chapter 4 The Earth's Minerals 61 -- Chapter 5 The Rocks of the Earth 73 -- Chapter 6 Energy Resources 85 -- Chapter 7 Water Resources 101 -- Chapter 8 Soil Resources 123 -- Chapter 9 Weathering, Soil Erosion and Mass Wasting: Surface Processes 133 -- Chapter 10 Layers of the Earth 155 -- Chapter 11 Plate Tectonics 163 -- Chapter 12 Mountains 183 -- Chapter 13 Earthquakes 193 -- Chapter 14 Volcanoes 211 -- Geologic Time 225 -- Interactive Laboratory Activities 241 -- Post-Test 277 -- Glossary of Terms 291 -- Appendices 301 -- Bibliography 329

"This textbook covers concepts and interactive learning activities on Earth materials, its surface and internal processes and a brief historical background. The activities provided are simple, easy to perform and the materials are available in our environment and are very relevant to the better understanding of the subject. Some activities are limited to the availability of materials that students can use inside the classroom, others require on-line sources which are intended to enrich their understanding of some geological issues that cannot be made available for classroom observation and testing."