The Focus On Middle School Geology Student Textbook introduces young students to the scientific discipline of geology. Students will learn about the many branches of geology; the steps in the scientific method; tools and equipment used by geologists; rocks, minerals, and soils-how they are formed and what they are made of; the various layers inside Earth and how they function; the dynamic Earth-plate tectonics and the formation of mountains, volcaes, and earthquakes; the atmosphere-its layers and composition; the hydrosphere, including the hydrologic cycle, oceans, freshwater, and human interactions; the biosphere-its cycles and ecosystems; magnetism, Earth's magnetic field, and the magnetosphere; Earth as a system and Earth System Science; and more. The Focus On Middle School Geology Student Textbook has ten full color chapters with many illustrations and includes a glossary and pronunciation guide at the back of the book. Grades 5-8.