Dear Parent,
Your son’s or daughter’s science class will soon begin exploring the chapter entitled
“Rocks.” In this chapter, students will learn how rocks are classified and how they change
in the rock cycle. By the end of the chapter, students should show a clear understanding of
the chapter’s main ideas and be able to discuss the following topics:

1. classifying rocks by their physical properties (Section 1)
2. the three different types of rock (Section 1)
3. how the three types of rock form (Section 1)
4. summarizing the rock cycle (Section 2)
5. the processes that change rock from one type into another type, and how these
processes shape the surface of the Earth (Section 2)

Questions to Ask Along the Way

You can help your child learn about these topics by asking interesting questions such as the
following:
· How do metamorphic rocks become striped with bands of different colors?
· What are the steps of the rock cycle?
· What kinds of rock can you find around the city where you live?

The Internet at Home

If you have access to the Internet at your home, you and your son or daughter can access
information specifically related to the “Rocks” chapter. The following resources are
available for your use.
sciLINKS: At www.scilinks.org you will find links to Web sites that have been selected
by the staff at the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). The staff at NSTA
regularly scans the Internet to find sites that are current, engaging, and appropriate for
middle school students. Check out the latest links by typing in the sciLINKS numbers
listed below.
GO TO: www.scilinks.org
TOPIC: Texas Rocks sciLINKS NUMBER: HSTX455
TOPIC: Types of Rocks sciLINKS NUMBER: HSTE090
TOPIC: The Rock Cycle sciLINKS NUMBER: HSTE093
go.hrw.com: The resources at this Web site come to you directly from the publisher of
your child’s textbook. Here you will find resources to help your son or daughter better
understand the “Rocks” chapter. For example, Science Puzzlers, Twisters & Teasers
worksheets use the chapter’s vocabulary terms and concepts as a basis for lighthearted yet
challenging science fun. For help in generating ideas for science projects, you may refer to
Long-Term Projects & Research Ideas. You can also turn to the Resources for Parents
section of the Science Fair Guide for information on planning, preparing, and presenting a
science fair project. You can access these materials and other information by entering the
keyword below.
GO TO: go.hrw.com
KEYWORD: HTXROK
Thank you for your time and interest. Your participation in your child’s education is a sure
way to encourage learning!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Millikin