Learn Key Vocabulary

Rate and Study the Words Rate how well you know each word. Then:

Rating Scale

  • 1 = I have never seen this word before.

  • 2 = I am not sure of the word’s meaning.

  • 3 = I know this word and can teach the word’s meaning to someone else.

  • 1. Pronounce the word. Say it aloud several times. Spell it.

  • 2. Study the example.

  • 3. Tell more about the word.

  • 4. Practice it. Make the word your own.

Key Words
learn (lurn) verb
Photograph of students studying about rocks
When people learn, they get information about a subject. These people learn about rocks.		rock (rok) noun
layer

layer


A rock is made of little pieces of earth called minerals. Some rocks have layers.
scientist (sī-yun-tist) noun
Photograph of scientists unearthing bones in rock
A scientist studies the natural and physical world.
A scientist who knows about rocks is a geologist.		study (stuh-dē) verb
Photograph of two people at a library reading from the same book
People study to learn more about a subject.
These people study by reading books.
use (yūz) verb
Photograph of a geologist using a tool at a site
When people use a tool, they do something with it.
Geologists use tools to take samples of rocks.		Practice the Words With a partner, make an Expanded Meaning Map for each Key Word. Take turns quizzing each other. For example, ask: “What is something that is like a rock?”
Illustration of an Expanded Meaning Map for use with Key Words
Expanded Meaning Map