Students will be able to construct explanations for how the theory of plate tectonics accounts for (1) the motion of lithospheric plates, (2) the geologic activities at plate boundaries, and (3) the changes in landform areas over geologic time. 8.E.5A.4
Content Knowledge Support
- Read and compete interactive science workbook pages 404-409 and 424-427.
Discussion Topics
- Check out Plates on the Move! Watch the video, check out the animations, and then PLAY the GAME! Then decide if you had to live directly on a plate boundary which kind of plate boundary would you want it to be (convergent, divergent, or transform?) Explain why using two or more specific details from the content knowledge resources provided during this module and accurately explain what types of geologic activities and landform changes would you expect to experience living along this plate boundary.
Recommended Exercises
(Level 3) Analysis
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(Level 3) Analysis
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Additional Exercises & Extensions
(Level 1) Comprehension
- Complete Understanding Plate Boundaries SEPUP reading using this Lab TEMPLATE.
- Complete plate tectonics edpuzzle.
- Complete Plate Boundary Geologic Activities and Landforms Quizlet diagram set.
(Level 2) Application
- Use this document to explore plate tectonics using Google Earth.
(Level 3) Analysis
- Complete Spreading Plates SEPUP computer simulation using this Lab TEMPLATE.
- Complete Other Types of Plate Motion SEPUP computer simulation using this Lab TEMPLATE.
- Geologic processes damage homes every year. Whether you are buying or selling a home, selecting a building site, or assessing existing property, it is important to consider the geologic risk factors that may affect your property and surrounding areas. For this assignment you are going to be a geologist making informed recommendations for your clients interested in moving and buying a new home along plate boundaries as well as your own future dream home using this assignment TEMPLATE.
(Level 4) Evaluation
- Using 75 - 150 words explain which type of plate boundary causes the most geologic activities and changes in landforms over geologic time on Earth. Use specific details from the content knowledge resources provided during this module to support your answer.
(Level 5) Creation
- Create a multimedia presentation using Adobe spark or Google Slides to inform the public about the dangers of living on each each type of plate boundary including convergent, divergent, transform (1 point) . In your presentation, be sure that you accurately identify two or more geologic activities (2 points each) and one or more changes in landforms (1 point each) that occur at each plate boundary using details from the content knowledge resources during this module.
Additional Explorations
- If pressure is applied slowly, folded mountains form. How much pressure would it take to fold rock? How long has it taken to make the Himalayan mountains?
- If normal faults uplift a block of rock, a fault-block mountain forms. What are some real world examples of fault block mountains?
Future Learning Connections (9-12)
- Analyze and interpret data from ocean topography, correlation of rock assemblages, the fossil record, the role of convection current, and the action at plate boundaries to explain the theory of plate tectonics.
- Construct explanations of how forces cause crustal changes as evidence in sea-floor spreading, earthquake activity, volcanic eruptions, and mountain building using evidence of tectonic environments such as mid-ocean ridges and subduction zones.
English Language Learners
Module Review Resources
Vocabulary Practice
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