Earth's Dynamic Duo: Crust vs. Lithosphere & Plate Tectonics

Earth & Space Science Grades High School 7:59 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore the fascinating world of plate tectonics, differentiating between the Earth's crust and lithosphere, and understanding their roles in shaping our planet.

Video Resource

Plate tectonics: Difference between crust and lithosphere | Cosmology & Astronomy | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 7:59
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Plate Tectonics
  • Crust vs. Lithosphere
  • Chemical vs. Mechanical Layers of the Earth
  • Asthenosphere

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define plate tectonics and describe the movement of lithospheric plates.
  • Students will be able to differentiate between the crust and the lithosphere, explaining their composition and properties.
  • Students will be able to explain the difference between chemical and mechanical layers of the Earth.
  • Students will be able to discuss the role of the asthenosphere in plate tectonics.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by introducing the concept of plate tectonics. Briefly discuss the video from Khan Academy, highlighting the idea that the Earth's surface is composed of moving plates.
  • Video Viewing & Note-Taking (10 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video: 'Plate tectonics: Difference between crust and lithosphere'. Instruct students to take notes on key vocabulary, the layers of the earth, and the differences between the crust and the lithosphere.
  • Discussion: Chemical vs. Mechanical Layers (10 mins)
    Facilitate a discussion about the chemical (crust, mantle, core) and mechanical (lithosphere, asthenosphere) layers of the Earth. Emphasize that chemical layers describe composition, while mechanical layers describe physical properties.
  • Activity: Plate Boundary Identification (15 mins)
    Using a world map (physical or digital), have students identify the major tectonic plates and the types of boundaries between them (divergent, convergent, transform). They should use the video and their notes as reference.
  • Wrap-up & Review (5 mins)
    Summarize the key concepts of the lesson. Answer any remaining questions and prepare students for the quizzes.

Interactive Exercises

  • Edible Earth Model
    Students create an edible model of the Earth, using different foods to represent the crust (thin cookie), mantle (peanut butter), outer core (chocolate pudding), and inner core (a candy). This reinforces the layered structure and relative sizes.
  • Jigsaw Activity
    Divide the class into groups. Each group researches a specific tectonic plate (e.g., Pacific Plate, North American Plate) and presents its location, movement, and interactions with surrounding plates.

Discussion Questions

  • Why is it important to understand the difference between the crust and the lithosphere?
  • How do the movements of tectonic plates affect the Earth's surface and human activities?
  • How does the concept of plate tectonics help us understand the formation of mountains, volcanoes, and earthquakes?

Skills Developed

  • Critical Thinking
  • Note-Taking
  • Map Reading
  • Scientific Explanation
  • Analytical Skills

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is the primary concept behind plate tectonics?

Correct Answer: The Earth's surface is made of moving, rigid plates.

Question 2:

Which layer of the Earth consists of both the crust and the solid upper part of the mantle?

Correct Answer: Lithosphere

Question 3:

The chemical layers of the Earth are divided based on:

Correct Answer: Composition

Question 4:

Which of the following is considered a mechanical layer of the Earth?

Correct Answer: Asthenosphere

Question 5:

In plate tectonics, what is meant by the term 'plate'?

Correct Answer: The crust and the uppermost part of the solid mantle

Question 6:

The asthenosphere is best described as:

Correct Answer: A viscous, deformable layer

Question 7:

Which plates are moving away from each other in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean?

Correct Answer: African and South American Plates

Question 8:

What is the primary difference between the chemical and mechanical layers of the Earth?

Correct Answer: Chemical layers are based on composition, mechanical layers on physical properties.

Question 9:

The driving force behind plate tectonics is thought to be:

Correct Answer: Mantle convection

Question 10:

What geological feature is typically associated with divergent plate boundaries?

Correct Answer: Mid-ocean ridges

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the uppermost solid mantle, is called the ___________.

Correct Answer: lithosphere

Question 2:

The layer beneath the lithosphere, which is more fluid and allows the plates to move, is called the __________.

Correct Answer: asthenosphere

Question 3:

The Earth's layers that are based on composition are known as __________ layers.

Correct Answer: chemical

Question 4:

The Earth's layers that are based on physical properties are known as __________ layers.

Correct Answer: mechanical

Question 5:

The thinnest and outermost chemical layer of the Earth is the ___________.

Correct Answer: crust

Question 6:

The two plates moving away from each other in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean are the __________ Plate and the __________ Plate.

Correct Answer: African, South American

Question 7:

The outer core of the Earth is in a __________ state due to high temperatures.

Correct Answer: liquid

Question 8:

The driving force behind the movement of tectonic plates is thought to be ___________ within the mantle.

Correct Answer: convection

Question 9:

Plates that move away from each other create ___________ plate boundaries.

Correct Answer: divergent

Question 10:

When classifying the Earth's layers based on mechanical properties, we refer to the __________ and the __________.

Correct Answer: lithosphere, asthenosphere

Educational Standards

ES.ESS1.5:[Standard] 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:[Standard] 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:[Standard] Develop a model based on evidence of Earth’s interior to describe the cycling of matter by thermal convection.

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