| Title: Drifting
Apart |
| Subject: Science
|
| Grade Level: 6
- 8 |
| Overview:
|
| The continental drift theory is sometimes difficult for students
to grasp. This lesson will help provide students with concrete
evidence of the super continent Pangaea. Students will piece together
the continents into a jigsaw puzzle format. They will try to arrange
the continents into their correct original placement. This lesson
covers 2-3 days. |
| Approximate
Duration: Three 50 minute periods |
Content Standards:
- Earth and Space
The students will develop an understanding of the properties of
earth materials, the structure of the Earth system, the Earth's
history, and the Earth's place in the universe.
|
Benchmarks:
- ESS-M-A1
understanding that the Earth is layered by density with an
inner and outer core, a mantle, and a thin outer crust;
(1)
- ESS-M-A2
understanding that the Earth's crust and solid upper mantle are
dividing plates that move in response to convection currents (energy
transfers) in the mantle; (1)
- ESS-M-A7
modeling how landforms result from the interaction of
constructive and destructive forces; (1,2,3,4)
- ESS-M-B2
devising a model that demonstrates supporting evidence that the
Earth has existed for a vast period of time; (1,2,3,4)
|
Interdisciplinary Connections:
- Social Studies : Geography: Physical and Cultural Systems
Students develop a spatial understanding of Earth's surface and
the processes that shape it, the connections between people and
places, and the relationship between man and his environment.
|
Educational Technology Standards:
- Use information, media, and technology in a responsible manner
which includes following the school's acceptable use policy,
adhering to copyright laws, respecting the rights of others, and
employing proper etiquette in all forms of communication.
- Use telecommunications and online resources efficiently and
effectively to collaborate with peers, experts, and others to
investigate curriculum-related problems, issues, and information and
to develop solutions or products for various audiences.
|
Objectives:
1. TLW define tectonic plates, Pangaea
2. TLW list three pieces of evidence that prove continental drift
occurred.
3. TLW analyze the causes and effects of continental drifts.
4. TLW investigate Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift by
manipulating continents.
5. TLW connect continents into the super continent Pangaea.
6. TLW predict possible outcomes of continuing continental drifting of
Earth's tectonic plates. |
Lesson
Materials and Resources:
colors
handout "Drifting Apart"
scissors
pencil
construction paper
KWL chart
Power Point Presentation "Restless Continents"
|
Technology
Tools and Materials:
Hardware:
Internet
Computers
TV/Scan Converter
Software:
KidPix
Power Point
Websites:
Brain Pop Plate Tectonics
<http://www.brainpop.com/>
USGS
<http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/historical.html>
On
the Move...Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics <http://kids.earth.nasa.gov/archive/pangaea/evidence.html>
Enchanted Learning
<http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/planets/earth/Continents.shtml>
|
Background
Information:
Students should be familiar with Earth's layers (crust, mantle, core).
Students should also be familiar with the concepts of the lithosphere
slowly moving on top of the asthenosphere. |
Lesson
Procedures:
1. TTW introduce concepts of continental drifting by creating a KWL
chart. "What do I know about the continental drift? What do I want to
know about continental drift? What have I learned about the
continental drift?" Students will brainstorm what they know about
continental drifting theories.
2. Also as introduction, students will watch Brain Pop Movie "Plate
Tectonics". After watching the short clip, the class will take the
interactive quiz. Students will raise hands offering answers.
3. For lesson development, teacher will utilize Power Point
presentation. Teacher will discuss concepts while students will take
notes. (End of Day One)
4. Teacher will show students how continents actually drifted on
TV/Internet connection. Bring up site On the Move...Continental Drift
and Plate Tectonics.
5. After students become familiar with Wegener's theory, groups will
be assigned. "Drifting Apart" worksheet, scissors, colors, and
construction paper will be passed out. Students will label continents,
cut them out, and place them into the best puzzle form. Each continent
will be colored a different color. Students will glue continents onto
construction paper. This activity will be graded on a rubric. (End of
Day Two)
6. Have students use internet to locate three facts supporting
Wegener's theory of Continental Drift. (
http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/historical.html,
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/planets/earth/Continents.shtml,
http://kids.earth.nasa.gov/archive/pangaea/evidence.html). The
teacher will gather all facts and allow students to present their
facts by placing them on a map of the world. Students will be able to
see how the continents actually fit together based on fossil record.
7. Throughout the lessons, the students will be completing a study
guide filled with questions, diagrams, and flow charts. At this time,
the teacher will have students check answers for study guide in
preparation for the test.
8. After the test, the students will complete a writing assignment
where they must predict what will happen in the next years when
continents continue to drift. |
Assessment
Procedures:
completed study guide (turn in before test)
Teacher Made Test
Drifting Apart finished product (graded on rubric)
KWL chart completed
Writing Assignment containing 8-10 sentences explaining what the
student predicts will happen in the coming years with continuing
continental drifting. |
Accommodations/Modifications:
Students with special needs will be grouped with peer buddies.
Students with poor motor skills will be given assistance by the
teacher for cutting.
Students with modifications will be given extended time on tests.
Students with visual deficiencies will be given copy of the Power
Point Presentation notes.
----- written by
Lynne Anders
|
Reproducible
Materials:
|
Lesson
Development Resources:
National Geographic Geokit Dynamic Earth
AIMS Education Foundation "Finding Your Bearings"
|
Contact
Information:
Lynne Anders
lynne.anders@mcschools.net
CarrollJr. High |
