Introduction to the Theory of Plate Tectonics Lesson
Learning Objectives:
Standards:
National Science Education Standards Content Standard D: Lithospheric plates on the scales of continents and oceans constantly move at rates of centimeters per year in response to movements in the mantle.
Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Standard A: 11.A.3f Interpret and represent results of analysis to produce findings.
Lesson Description:
Students will watch a video about the history of the theory of plate tectonics and how plate tectonics theory relates to continental drift theory. Then, students will participate in a webquest where they will learn what the theory is, what the theory says, and what this means for our planet. During the webquest, students will also examine the different evidence that supports plate tectonics theory (such as fossils and magnetic field records in rocks) and draw their own conclusions about the theory. This lesson will take two class periods to complete.
At the end of the second day of the lesson, students will be asked if there are any new vocabulary words that should be added to the word wall. Student responses will determine what vocabulary words are added to the word wall.
- Students will be able to explain plate tectonics theory and how it relates to continental drift theory
- Students will use evidence to draw conclusions about plate tectonics and plate tectonics theory
Standards:
National Science Education Standards Content Standard D: Lithospheric plates on the scales of continents and oceans constantly move at rates of centimeters per year in response to movements in the mantle.
Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Standard A: 11.A.3f Interpret and represent results of analysis to produce findings.
Lesson Description:
Students will watch a video about the history of the theory of plate tectonics and how plate tectonics theory relates to continental drift theory. Then, students will participate in a webquest where they will learn what the theory is, what the theory says, and what this means for our planet. During the webquest, students will also examine the different evidence that supports plate tectonics theory (such as fossils and magnetic field records in rocks) and draw their own conclusions about the theory. This lesson will take two class periods to complete.
At the end of the second day of the lesson, students will be asked if there are any new vocabulary words that should be added to the word wall. Student responses will determine what vocabulary words are added to the word wall.