Plate Tectonics and Geologic Change

 

STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
- Articulate how geologic changes affected living things.
- Explain theory of plate tectonics.

GUIDING QUESTION: How does the Earth change over time?

MATERIALS:
Day 1:
- Geologic evidence supporting plate tectonics (maps etc.)
- Earth nachos (see lesson plan)
Day 2:
- Worksheet for Graham Slam: Plate Tectonics Lab
- Graham Crackers
- Frosting
- Plates (one for each pair of students)
- Knives or other utensils to spread frosting

CLASS ACTIVITIES:
Day 1:
1. Introduce puzzling geologic evidence that led to the development of the theory of plate tectonics:

• Marine fossils on the top of Mount Everest
  
• Age of the seafloor progressing from new to old and changing magnetic bands in rocks on the ocean floor
  
• "Ring of Fire" and other areas particularly prone to volcanoes and/or earthquakes
  
• Fossil beds and bands of rocks linked between continents
  
• Puzzle-like shape of continents
  
• Optional: evidence from your local area
  

2. In small groups, students should spend a few minutes discussing possible explanations for this evidence. (If students are already familiar with the theory of plate tectonics, they should use this time to review the concept and to develop a list of what they know.)
3. As a class, discuss plate tectonics.
4. Review/introduce the layers of the Earth by eating Earth nachos:

• Ocean basins: Cheese
  
• Crust: Chips
  
• Asthenosphere: Salsa
  
• Mantle: Refried Beans
  
• Core: Pan (ideally cast iron)
  

5. Optional assessment: Have students make and bring in their own models of the Earth. (If you choose, models may be edible.)

Day 2:
1. In pairs, students should complete the Graham Slam lab.

Day 3:
1. Formally introduce different types of plate motion.
2. In groups of about four, students should develop an interpretive dance or other dramatic presentation that illustrates types of plate interactions.