Standard #: SC.912.E.6.3


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Analyze the scientific theory of plate tectonics and identify related major processes and features as a result of moving plates.


General Information

Subject Area: Science
Grade: 912
Body of Knowledge: Earth and Space Science
Standard: Earth Structures - The scientific theory of plate tectonics provides the framework for much of modern geology. Over geologic time, internal and external sources of energy have continuously altered the features of Earth by means of both constructive and destructive forces. All life, including human civilization, is dependent on Earth's internal and external energy and material resources.
Date Adopted or Revised: 02/08
Content Complexity Rating: Level 3: Strategic Thinking & Complex Reasoning - More Information
Date of Last Rating: 05/08
Status: State Board Approved

Related Courses

Course Number1111 Course Title222
2002080: M/J Comprehensive Science 2, Advanced (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
2001020: M/J Earth/Space Science, Advanced (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
2001310: Earth/Space Science (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
2001320: Earth/Space Science Honors (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
2002400: Integrated Science 1 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
2002410: Integrated Science 1 Honors (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
7920020: Access Earth/Space Science (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2018, 2018 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
7920025: Access Integrated Science 1 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2018, 2018 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
2002085: M/J Comprehensive Science 2 Accelerated Honors (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
2002405: Integrated Science 1 for Credit Recovery (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2020 (course terminated))


Related Access Points

Access Point Number Access Point Title
SC.912.E.6.In.3 Relate a cause and effect of movements in Earth’s crust (plate tectonics), such as fault lines in the plates causing earthquakes.
SC.912.E.6.Su.3 Recognize that Earth’s crust is broken into parts (plates) that move and cause mountains and volcanoes.
SC.912.E.6.Pa.2 Recognize that the surface of Earth can change.


Related Resources

Formative Assessment

Name Description
Analyzing the theory of plate tectonics performance task assessment

This is a performance task assessment that allows for assessment of student knowledge of the plate tectonic theory. This task requires students to write a RAFT.

Lesson Plans

Name Description
Earthquake Structures and the Richter Scale

In this engineering design challenge, students will build an earthquake-proof structure out of spaghetti and marshmallows and then test them with an earthquake shake table. Students will research earthquake damage and how designs have changed with our new technologies and our understanding of earthquakes. After testing and research, students will prepare and present a final presentation on their findings. They will also explore the use of the Richter scale as a measurement of earthquake intensity. This is a culminating activity for a unit on Earth's forces. 

Plate Tectonics Games & Dream Vacation

Students will love the copious amounts of plate tectonics review games in this lesson. They will also create their dream vacations by making their own Tectonic Travel Itinerary!

When North Becomes South

In this lesson, students will analyze an informational text intended to support reading in the content area. The article explains how the National Science Foundation (NSF) is using some of their ships and equipment to study the magnetic properties of the ocean floor. The data they collect will help them better understand the phenomenon known as geomagnetic reversal. The article also includes a brief explanation of what geomagnetic reversal is. The lesson plan includes a note-taking guide, text-dependent questions, a writing prompt, answer keys, and a writing rubric. Numerous options to extend the lesson are also included.

Predicting Tectonic Activity using Earthquakes

Students will predict plate movement by analyzing earthquake patterns from earthquake coordinate locations they have plotted on a map and comparing those patterns to animated earthquakes distribution in years 2011 and 2014.  
 

Investigating Earthquakes with Google Earth

Students will explore the relationship between earthquakes and the tectonic plate boundaries using Google Earth. Students will track earthquakes noting location, magnitude and date. Students will apply their findings to formulate an understanding the processes that shape the earth.

Perspectives Video: Teaching Idea

Name Description
Modeling Plate Tectonics with Candy Bars

Break new ground when you try this earth science lesson idea.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Text Resource

Name Description
Geomagnetic Reversal: Understanding Ancient Flips and Flops in Earth's Polarity

This informational text resource is designed to support reading in the content area. The article discusses how the National Science Foundation (NSF) has been using one of their ships to gather information which scientists can use to explore the process of geomagnetic reversal. The article explains the basic concept of geomagnetic reversal and how the information gathered can help in understanding it. Finally, the article discusses several different roles that scientists have taken on in the NSF's ongoing operations.

Video/Audio/Animations

Name Description
Plate Tectonics

This short informational text, diagrams, a video, and guided questions from the CK-12 Foundation discusses plate motions and the role of convection.

MIT BLOSSOMS - Can Earthquakes Be Predicted? This learning video uses a simple analog setup to explore why earthquakes are so unpredictable. The setup is simple enough that students should be able to assemble and operate it on their own with a teacher's supervision. The teaching approach used in this module is known as the 5E approach, which stands for Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation. Over the course of this lesson, the basic mechanisms that give rise to the behavior of the simple analog system are explained, and further elaboration helps the students to apply their understanding of the analog system to complex fault systems that cause earthquakes. It is important that students be familiar with the following prerequisite concepts before beginning the module: earth's interior structure, plate tectonics and plate motions, properties of Earth materials, and faults and fault motions. This lesson can be completed in 50 minutes if the basic materials for construction of the analog setup are compiled prior to getting started in class. Materials needed include: two 4" x 4" wooden blocks; two screw eyes, 12x1-3/16" ; one 4"x36" sanding belt (50 Grit); one 1/3 Sheet of sandpaper (60 Grit); one rubber band; 16" of duct tape; one fabric tape measurement ; one pair of scissors; and one hot glue gun. This interactive lesson incorporates two primary types of activities during the breaks between video segments: Analog setup exploration and Guided discussions. The lesson described in this video module has been adapted from activities developed by Hubenthal, M., Braile, L., Taber, J. (2008) Redefining earthquakes and the earthquake machine. The Science Teacher, 75(1), 32-36.

Virtual Manipulative

Name Description
Seismic Activity - Enrichment/Extension
Enrichment Learning Activity - Seismic Activity

Benchmark: : Analyze the scientific theory of plate tectonics and identify related major processes and features as a result of moving plates.

Essential Question: How do features on the Earth help us know about the geologic past?

Instructions:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/earth/seismic-fault.html

Click on the launch interactive link. Use the website to allow students to come up with connections about seismic measurements and what they determine. Students can move the mouse over the picture of "'Find the Fault". Click on the highlighted sections to find out information about each geologic feature.

Suggested questions for students:

  1. What does the vertical axis represent?
  2. What does the horizontal axis represent?
  3. How did geophysicists collect the data?
  4. Why does the fault line located in Tennessee/Kentucky region create about 200 earthquakes per year when it is over 1,000 miles from the nearest tectonic plate boundary?
  5. Why does this relatively flat region host earthquakes?

Student Resources

Video/Audio/Animation

Name Description
Plate Tectonics:

This short informational text, diagrams, a video, and guided questions from the CK-12 Foundation discusses plate motions and the role of convection.



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