Do you want a little headstart on the Midterm Exam? 

Here are the short-answer and essay questions you'll see on your Midterm.  Start preparing now!

 Short Answer. 

Answer any two of these questions.  Each is worth 10 points.

1.      Earth's environment is traditionally divided into four "spheres." 
Name and briefly describe each.

2.      What is weathering:  How is weathering different than erosion?

3.      How is mechanical weathering different from chemical weathering?

4.      Name the terrestrial planets.  What makes them different than the Jovian planets?

5.      The Galilean moon Europa has some features that interest the scientific community. 
What has them so excited?

6.      Why did Tycho Brahe have doubts about both the Ptolemaic and Copernican models
of the solar system?

7.      We discussed eight properties that geologists use to help identify minerals. 
List and describe three of them.

Essay Question

Choose any one of these subjects and write a paragraph.  Address the question fully. 

Use your higher-order skills to develop a thoughtful response.  (30 points)

1.      Compare and contrast the geocentric and heliocentric models of the solar system. 

Include in your discussion people who championed each model and events that eventually
led to the acceptance of the heliocentric version.

2.      What is the rock cycle?  Draw a diagram and discuss the pathways.

3.      What is the water cycle? Draw a diagram and discuss the pathways.

4.      Scientists recently met to revoke Plutos status as a planet.  What were the arguments
for and against this decision?    What is your opinion?

You have a certain degree of leeway here.  Choose questions that appeal to you and that you'll enjoy answering! 

If you're a "hands-on" type who likes to work with schematics, then the rock or water cycle
with its diagram might appeal to you.  If you prefer to list a series of facts, stringing them
together into a cogent essay, then the questions on the Heliocentric vs. Geocentric models or Pluto's status might suit you better. 

Either way, practice your essays ahead of time!  Practice drawing the diagram, recalling your
facts, and so forth. 

You shouldn't be surprised when you see these questions on your test.

(Reminder:  the questions you'll see on your Final Exam are reproduced on the inside cover of your note guide.)