Earth's Dynamic Systems: Unveiling Plate Tectonics

Earth & Space Science Grades High School 7:00 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore the Earth's layers, continental drift, plate tectonics, and the forces that shape our planet through an engaging video and interactive activities.

Video Resource

Earth Systems & Resources Part I

Nick LaFave

Duration: 7:00
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Earth's Layers (Crust, Mantle, Outer Core, Inner Core)
  • Continental Drift and Pangaea
  • Plate Tectonics and Convection Currents
  • Seafloor Spreading and Subduction

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify and describe the layers of the Earth.
  • Students will be able to explain the theory of continental drift and the evidence supporting it.
  • Students will be able to describe the process of plate tectonics and the role of convection currents in plate movement.
  • Students will be able to explain seafloor spreading and subduction.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by introducing the topic of Earth's dynamic systems and engaging students with a brief discussion about what they already know about earthquakes, volcanoes, and continents.
  • Video Viewing (10 mins)
    Play the YouTube video 'Earth Systems & Resources Part I' by Nick LaFave. Encourage students to take notes on key concepts and vocabulary.
  • Discussion (10 mins)
    Facilitate a class discussion based on the discussion questions provided. Encourage students to share their understanding of the concepts presented in the video.
  • Interactive Exercise: Plate Tectonics Puzzle (15 mins)
    Engage students in the interactive exercise to reinforce their understanding of plate tectonics and continental drift.
  • Assessment (10 mins)
    Administer the multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank quizzes to assess students' comprehension of the material.

Interactive Exercises

  • Plate Tectonics Puzzle
    Provide students with a world map cut into the shapes of the major tectonic plates. Have them work individually or in small groups to reassemble the plates, promoting understanding of their current arrangement and past configurations like Pangaea.

Discussion Questions

  • What are the different layers of the Earth, and what are they made of?
  • What evidence supports the theory of continental drift?
  • How do convection currents in the mantle contribute to plate tectonics?
  • How does seafloor spreading work, and what happens at subduction zones?

Skills Developed

  • Critical Thinking
  • Data Interpretation
  • Scientific Reasoning
  • Model Development

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which layer of the Earth is the thinnest?

Correct Answer: Crust

Question 2:

What is the name of the supercontinent that existed about 200 million years ago?

Correct Answer: Pangaea

Question 3:

What is the primary force driving plate tectonics?

Correct Answer: Convection currents in the mantle

Question 4:

Where does new oceanic crust form?

Correct Answer: Mid-ocean ridges

Question 5:

What happens to oceanic crust at a subduction zone?

Correct Answer: It is recycled back into the mantle

Question 6:

Which two elements primarily make up the Earth's core?

Correct Answer: Iron and Nickel

Question 7:

The lithosphere is composed of which two layers?

Correct Answer: Crust and Outer Mantle

Question 8:

What is the name for underwater mountain chains?

Correct Answer: Mid-Ocean Ridges

Question 9:

When oceanic crust meets continental crust, what geological process will happen?

Correct Answer: Subduction

Question 10:

Which of the following is an example of a land animal whose fossil evidence supports the continental drift theory?

Correct Answer: None of the above

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The Earth's innermost layer is called the ________.

Correct Answer: inner core

Question 2:

__________ is the name of the scientist who proposed the theory of continental drift.

Correct Answer: Alfred Wagner

Question 3:

The process where oceanic crust is forced under continental crust is called ________.

Correct Answer: subduction

Question 4:

The liquid layer of the Earth made of iron and nickel is called the ________.

Correct Answer: outer core

Question 5:

The solid, outermost layer of the Earth, composed of the crust and upper mantle, is called the ________.

Correct Answer: lithosphere

Question 6:

The area where magma comes up from the ocean floor is called the ________.

Correct Answer: rift valley

Question 7:

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is an example of a ________.

Correct Answer: mid-ocean ridge

Question 8:

The process by which magma erupts, cools, and hardens to form new ocean floor is called ________.

Correct Answer: sea floor spreading

Question 9:

Volcanoes like the Hawaiian Islands are formed by ________.

Correct Answer: hot spots

Question 10:

The layer of Earth made of molten rock is called the ________.

Correct Answer: mantle

Educational Standards

ES.ESS1.5:Evaluate evidence in the patterns of the past and current movements of continental and oceanic crust and the theory of plate tectonics to explain the ages of crustal rocks. ES.ESS2.1:Develop a model to illustrate how Earth’s internal and surface processes operate at different scales of space and time to form continental and ocean-floor features. ES.ESS2.3:Develop a model based on evidence of Earth’s interior to describe the cycling of matter by thermal convection.

Teaching Materials

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