Plate Tectonics: Analyzing the Past

Plate Tectonics: Analyzing the Past

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to analyze and interpret data on the distribution of fossils and rocks, continental shapes, and seafloor structures to provide evidence of the past plate motions.

Explain the learning objective and how it will be achieved.

What do you already know about plate tectonics?

Introduction

Plate tectonics is the theory that Earth's outer layer is made up of plates that move around on the planet's surface. What evidence do we have for this theory?

Introduce the topic and ask students to brainstorm what they already know about plate tectonics.

Fossils and Rocks

Fossils and rocks can provide evidence of past plate motions. Fossils of the same species have been found on different continents, indicating that the continents were once connected.

Explain how fossils and rocks can provide evidence of past plate motions. Show pictures of fossils and rocks found on different continents.

Continental Shapes

The shapes of the continents can also provide evidence of past plate motions. The eastern coast of South America fits perfectly into the western coast of Africa, indicating that they were once connected.

Explain how the shapes of the continents can provide evidence of past plate motions. Show pictures and a map of how the continents fit together.

Seafloor Spreading

Seafloor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is formed through volcanic activity and then moves away from the mid-ocean ridge. The age of the oceanic crust gets older as you move away from the mid-ocean ridge, providing evidence of past plate motions.

Explain how seafloor spreading provides evidence of past plate motions. Show pictures and a diagram of the process.

Magnetic Reversals

Earth's magnetic field has reversed many times throughout history. As magma cools and solidifies into rock, it records the direction of the magnetic field. By studying the magnetic stripes on the seafloor, scientists can determine the age of the oceanic crust and the direction of past plate motions.

Explain how magnetic reversals provide evidence of past plate motions. Show pictures and a diagram of the magnetic stripes on the seafloor.

Interactive Activity

In this activity, you will use a map of the world to identify the locations of fossils and rocks that provide evidence of past plate motions.

Provide instructions for the interactive activity and ensure that all students understand how to complete it.

Quiz

Test your knowledge with this quiz on plate tectonics and past plate motions.

Prepare a quiz for students to complete to assess their understanding of the lesson material.

Conclusion

Plate tectonics is a fascinating topic that helps us understand the history of our planet. By analyzing and interpreting data on the distribution of fossils and rocks, continental shapes, and seafloor structures, we can provide evidence of the past plate motions.

Summarize the lesson and emphasize the importance of plate tectonics in understanding Earth's history.

Further Learning

If you're interested in learning more about plate tectonics, check out these resources.

Provide additional resources for students who want to learn more about plate tectonics.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.