The tables in the text summarize data that you need to be familiar with, but making up your own charts or tables may help you learn new information. Try the format suggested here, or organize the data in your own way.

First, look at the list of elements in Appendix C and pick out the eight elements that are most abundant in the earth's crust. Rearrange the eight elements in a column in the order of their abundance, and write the symbol for each element in a second column. Check with table 2.1 in your text to make sure that you have the order correct. Using Appendix C, add columns for the atomic number and atomic weight of each element. In a final column, for each abundant element, write the name of a common rock-forming mineral (or mineral group) that contains the element in its chemical composition. Refer to table 2.2 to check that information. Thought question: Can you think of a possible reason (or reasons) why the order of atomic numbers and atomic weights seems to be unrelated to the percentages of crustal abundance by weight and by volume given in table 2.1?