1. Mechanical Weathering Directions: Read the passage. Mechanical weathering is a type of weathering where rock is physically broken down into smaller pieces These rocks have the same composition of the original rock. Mechanical weathering breaks rock into pieces by freezing and thawing, release of pressure, growth of plants, actions of animals and abrasion. Freezing and thawing is caused by wedges of ice in rocks that widen and deepen cracks. This process eventually breaks the rocks. Release of pressure from other rocks causes outside rock to break and flake off in layers. Growth of plants and roots grow into cracks of rocks. The roots pry apart the cracks in the rock. Actions of animals and burrowing, digging,in the ground loosen and break rocks. Abrasion is caused by wind, water, or other rock and wears away rock particles over time. Mechanical weathering works very slowly over long periods of times. Actions of animalsAbrasion Freezing and thawing Release of pressure Growth of plants

2. Mechanical Weathering Directions: Answer the following using the word bank. 1.The process of rocks physically breaking down into smaller pieces is called ____________________________. 2.____________________________ causes roots to grow into cracks of rocks and pry apart the cracks in the rock. 3.Wind, rain, or other rock that wears away rock and rock particles is called ____________________________. 4.____________________________ of other rocks causes the outside rock to break and flake off in layers. 5. ____________________________ and burrowing in the ground loosens and breaks rock. 6.Wedges of ice in rocks that widen and deepens crack is called ____________________________. Word Bank abrasion actions of animals freezing and thawinggrowth of plants mechanical weatheringrelease of pressure

3. What have we learned?

4. Question The process of rocks physically breaking down into smaller pieces is called _____________________ __.

5. Question _____________________ __ causes roots to grow into cracks of rocks and pry apart the cracks in the rock.

6. Question Wind, rain, or other rock that wears away rock and rock particles is called _____________________ __.

7. Question _____________________ __ of other rocks causes the outside rock to break and flake off in layers.

8. Question _____________________ __ and burrowing in the ground loosens and breaks rock.

9. Question Wedges of ice in rocks that widen and deepens crack is called _____________________ __.