Plate Tectonics Lesson Plan

I . Lesson Preparation Preparation A. Objectives After a scavenger hunt, the students will be able to describe how plate tectonics causes major geological events by correctly answering 8 of the 11 questions on the scavenger hunt worksheet.

B. TEKS Skills § 112.18. Science, Grade 6. (b) Knowledge and skills. (10) Earth and space. The student understands the structure of Earth, the rock cycle, and plate tectonics. The student is expected to: (D) describe how plate tectonics cause major geological events such as ocean basins, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain building.

C. Rationale ! Why do students need this information? Students need a better understanding of the characteristics and the effects plate tectonics can have on the earth. Knowing how Earth’s tectonic plates constantly move, evolve and interact is imperative to understanding the causes of major landforms and geological events. !

Why are you teaching this lesson? By allowing students to explore and research the process of plate tectonics, they are given a foundation to build further knowledge of plate tectonics and each landform upon.

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What is the purpose of this lesson? The purpose of this lesson is to allow students to understand the different geological events that occur and landforms that form as a result of the movement of plate boundaries.

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How does this lesson link to real-life scenarios? Tectonic plate movement can cause minimal to life threatening impacts on our lives and communities. It is important that students understand the impact plate tectonics can have due to the vast number of landforms that form and geological events that occur each year.

D. Materials ! Scavenger Hunt Cards ! Scavenger Hunt Questions Worksheet – 2 per student ! Stapler and Staples – For scavenger hunt cards ! White Cardstock – For scavenger hunt cards and word wall cards ! Multicolored Cardstock – 1 sheer per student for classroom textbook ! Clipboards – 1 per student ! Pencils – 1 per student ! iPads – 1 per student ! Word Wall Cards ! Velcro – For word wall cards ! Smartboard ! Assignment Choices Page – 1 to display on smartboard ! Dear Diary Templates ! Postcard Templates (Front and Back) ! Comic Strip Template 1 ! Comic Strip Template 2 ! Comic Strip Template 3 ! Comic Strip Template 4 ! Comic Strip Template 5 ! Facebook Profile Templates ! Biopoem Instruction Sheets ! Yarn – 3 pieces per student to bind textbooks

E. Resources http://www.learner.org/interactives/dynamicearth/slip.html namicearth/slip.html ! http://www.learner.org/interactives/dy Purpose: Information about what happens at each of the different plate boundaries. !

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/pl anets/earth/Continents.shtml Purpose: General information all about plate tectonics.

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http://www.geography.learnontheinternet.co.uk Purpose: General information all about plate tectonics.

F. Getting Ready for the Lesson (Preparation Information) Before Class Starts ! Print the scavenger hunt cards on cardstock and cut them apart. ! Make copies of the scavenger hunt questions worksheet. ! Hang the scavenger hunt cards around the classroom. ! Print the Word Wall vocabulary words and cut them apart.

Room Arrangement ! Student seating is the same as always on a daily basis – assigned stadium seating and in rows and columns. No groups will need to be formed. ! The room will remain as it is arranged for the entire lesson. Lesson Cycle Flow ! Door should be open so that the teacher can greet the students and instruct them to read the instructions on the scavenger hunt worksheet that is on their desks. ! There is assigned seating. Students know where their assigned seats are and do not have to be told, but please kindly remind them. ! To start the lesson, the students will individually complete the scavenger hunt throughout the classroom. ! When finished, students will return to their assigned seats and remain in their assigned seats for the remainder of the lesson – the teaching procedure, the guided practice, the independent practice, and the closure. Materials ! The scavenger hunt cards, scavenger hunt worksheets, word wall cards, assignment templates and instruction sheets are all located in the back shelf next to the computers. ! The assignment choices sheet can be found on my computer desktop. ! When it comes time, the teacher will pass out all necessary materials. Content ! This lesson will be teaching students to identify the geological events and landforms created by the process of plate tectonics.

G. Prior Knowledge (Prerequisite Skills): Knowledge ! The students have previously identified and compared the physical characteristics of the Earth in prior grade levels. ! The students understand that Earth is a changing planet from their learning of the Earth’s surface in 5 th  grade. ! The students know the three types of plate boundaries and basic characteristics of each.

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The students know what landforms are and understand the different types of landforms.

Skills ! ! ! ! !

The students know how to work through a scavenger hunt. The students are able to work well individually. The students are able to use the iPads to research. The students have the skills to listen and follow verbal directions given by the teacher. The students have the skills to read and follow written directions given by the teacher.

II. Teaching the Lesson A. Motivation/Focus/Anticipatory Set/Hook/Engagement: ! The teacher will greet students at the door and tell each student they will be going on a scavenger hunt today. ! As the students enter the classroom, they will head to their assigned seats and be intrigued by the scavenger hunt worksheets on their desks. ! The students know to look at the board for directions on what to do at the beginning of class. They will see the following written on the board: “Read the instructions on the scavenger hunt worksheet on your desk carefully. Get a clipboard and a pencil and begin to search the classroom for clues to complete the scavenger hunt. ! The students will get a clipboard and pencil and begin to walk around the classroom looking for the cards needed to complete the scavenger hunt. ! Students will search the room to find all of the cards to answer the questions on their worksheets. ! Once all the students have completed the landforms scavenger hunt, ask the students: “How are landforms formed?” Allow responses until the students have said, “Some landforms are formed through the process of plate tectonics.” ! Then get out the word wall cards and begin to present the information using the plate tectonics word wall card.

Scavenger Hunt Worksheet (Page 1) Card 1: What are tectonic plates?

Card 2: Describe the theory of plate tectonics.

Card 3: Name three types of landforms.

Card 4: What are faults?

Card 5: How are earthquakes formed?

Scavenger Hunt Worksheet (Page 2) Card 6: How are ocean basins formed?

Card 7: How are volcanoes formed?

Card 8: How are mountains formed?

Card 9: What type of landform or geological event could a convergent boundary create?

Card 10: What type of landform or geological event could a divergent boundary create?

Scavenger Hunt Worksheet (Page 3) Card 11: What type of landform or geological event could a transform boundary create?

Scavenger Hunt Answer Cards Page 1

CARD ONE

CARD TWO

Tectonic plates are pieces of the Earth’s top layer, the lithosphere, which are constantly moving on top of the Earth’s asthenosphere.

Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that describes the largescale movements of the different sections of the earth’s lithosphere.

CARD THREE

CARD FOUR

Mountains Faults Volcanoes

Faults are fractures in rock where movement has occurred; cracks in the Earth's crust.

CARD FIVE

CARD SIX

Earthquakes are formed by two tectonic plates, or fragments of the lithosphere, moving back and forth past one another.

Ocean basins are formed by two tectonic plates, or fragments of the lithosphere, moving away from one another.

Scavenger Hunt Answer Cards Page 2

CARD SEVEN

CARD EIGHT

Volcanoes are a type of mountain, so they are formed by two tectonic plates, or fragments of the lithosphere, moving toward one another and colliding.

Mountains are formed by two tectonic plates, or fragments of the lithosphere, moving toward one another and colliding.

CARD NINE

CARD TEN

The three types of plate boundaries are convergent, divergent, and transform.

A convergent plate boundary could create mountain ranges or volcanoes.

CARD ELEVEN CARD TWELVE A divergent plate boundary could create ocean ridges and faults.

A transform plate boundary could create earthquakes.

B. Teaching Procedures/Presentation of Concepts and Skills ! The lesson will begin at the front of the room by the word wall. ! Bring the word wall cards out to the word wall. ! Use each card to present the new information to the students. ! Begin with the plate tectonics c ards. The students answered how landforms are formed in the motivation piece of this lesson plan. ! Place the plate tectonics card on the word wall. " Then ask: “What is the definition of plate tectonics?” " Allow responses until the students have said, “Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that describes the largescale movements of the different sections of the earth’s lithosphere.” ! Place the landform card on the word wall. " Then ask: “What is the definition of a landform?” " Allow responses until the students have said, “A landform is a natural physical feature of the Earth’s surface.” ! Place the earthquake card on the word wall. " Then ask: “What is the definition of an earthquake?” " Allow responses until the students have said, “An earthquake is a natural geological event that results from underground movement along a fault plane; shaking and vibration at the surface of the Earth resulting from underground movement.” ! Place the volcano card on the word wall. " Then ask: “What is the definition of a volcano?” " Allow responses until the students have said, “A volcano is a natural geological event and landform; a hill or mountain formed by material from the mantle being forced through an opening in the Earth's crust.” ! Place the mountain card on the word wall. " Then ask: “What is the definition of a mountain?” " Allow responses until the students have said, “A mountain is a natural geological landform; a large natural elevation of the earth's surface rising abruptly from the surrounding level.” ! Place the fault card on the word wall. " Then ask: “What is the definition of a fault?” " Allow responses until the students have said, “A fault is a natural geological landform; a fracture in rock where movement has occurred; a crack in the Earth's crust.” ! Place the convergent plate boundary card on the word wall. " Then ask: “What happens at a convergent plate boundary?”

Allow responses until the students have said, “At a convergent plate boundary, two tectonic plates, or fragments of the lithosphere, move toward one another and collide.” Place the divergent plate boundary card on the word wall. " Then ask: “What happens at a divergent plate boundary?” " Allow responses until the students have said, “At a divergent plate boundary, two tectonic plates or fragments of the lithosphere move away from one another.” Place the transform plate boundary card on the word wall. " Then ask: “What happens at a transform plate boundary?” " Allow responses until the students have said, “At a transform plate boundary, two tectonic plates or fragments of the lithosphere move back and forth past one another.” Have the students put away their clipboards, pencils, and scavenger hunt worksheets. "

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Word Wall Word Cards (Page 1)

  s   c    i   e   t   n   o   a    l   t    P   c   e    T

A scientific theory that describes the largescale movements of the different sections of the earth’s lithosphere

  m   r   o    f    d   n   a    L

A natural physical feature of the Earth’s surface

  e    k   a   u   q    h   t   r   a    E

A natural geological event that results from underground movement along a fault plane; shaking and vibration at the surface of the Earth resulting from underground

Word Wall Word Cards (Page 2)

  o   n   a   c    l   o    V

A natural geological event and landform; a hill or mountain formed by material from the mantle being forced through an opening in the Earth's crust.

  n    i   a   t   n   u   o    M

A natural geological landform; a large natural elevation of the earth's surface rising abruptly from the surrounding level

  t    l   u   a    F

A fracture in rock where movement has occurred; a crack in the Earth's crust

Word Wall Word Cards (Page 3)

  t   n   e   g   r   e   v   n   o    C

At a convergent plate boundary, two tectonic plates, or fragments of the lithosphere, move toward one another and collide.

  t   n   e   g   r   e   v    i    D

At a divergent plate boundary, two tectonic plates or fragments of the lithosphere move away from one another.

  m   r   o    f   s   n   a   r    T

At a transform plate boundary, two tectonic plates or fragments of the lithosphere move back and forth past one another.

C. Guided Practice ! After using the word wall word cards to discuss the process of plate tectonics, the three types of plate boundaries, and the geological events and landforms they can create, play “Guess My Word” with the word wall words. " Distribute a white board and a white board marker to each of the students. " Say the definition of each of the word wall words to the students. " The students write the word on their white board and lift it up for you to see their answer as quickly as they can. " See how quickly students can guess your word. ! Ask: “What is the scientific theory that describes the large-scale movements of the different sections of the earth’s lithosphere?” " Wait until most of the students have written, “plate tectonics” on their whiteboards for you to see. ! Ask: “What is a natural physical feature of the Earth’s surface?” " Wait until most of the students have written, “landform” on their whiteboards for you to see. ! Ask: “What is a natural geological event that results from underground movement along a fault plane or shaking and vibration at the surface of the Earth resulting from underground movement?” " Wait until most of the students have written, “earthquake” on their whiteboards for you to see. ! Ask: “What is a natural geological event and landform; a hill or mountain formed by material from the mantle being forced through an opening in the Earth's crust?” " Wait until most of the students have written, “volcano” on their whiteboards for you to see. ! Ask: “What is a natural geological landform; a large natural elevation of the earth's surface rising abruptly from the surrounding level?” " Wait until most of the students have written “mountain” on their whiteboards for you to see. ! Ask: “What is a natural geological landform; a fracture in rock where movement has occurred; a crack in the Earth's crust?” " Wait until most of the students have written, “fault” on their whiteboards for you to see. ! Ask: “At which type of plate boundary do two tectonic plates, or fragments of the lithosphere, move away from one another?” " Wait until most of the students have written, “convergent plate boundary” on their whiteboards for you to see.

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Ask: “At which type of plate boundary do two tectonic plates, or fragments of the lithosphere, move toward one another and collide?” " Wait until most of the students have written, “divergent plate boundary” on their whiteboards for you to see. Ask: “At which type of plate boundary do two tectonic plates, or fragments of the lithosphere, move toward back and forth past one another?” " Wait until most of the students have written, “transform plate boundary” on their whiteboards for you to see. Have students put whiteboards and markers back in the storage cabinet and clear their desks to get ready for the independent practice portion of the lesson.

D. Independent Practice ! Have each student get an iPad from the iPad cart and return to their desks. ! Put the assignment choice page on the smartboard for the class to see. ! Give each student a blank piece of white cardstock (or a template if provided for the assignment of their choice). ! Put markers, colored pencils, and crayons on the back table for students to use to decorate their assignment. ! The students will choose which assignment they would like to complete. ! At least one students needs to complete each of the assignments. ! Be sure each student understands what to do for each of the assignments listed. ! The students will use the iPads to research their topic and complete an assignment.

Assignments 1) Create a crossword puzzle using new vocabulary words from today’s lesson. (It must have 5 up and 5 down.) 2) Create a game with 15 questions and a game board. 3) Research a major earthquake and make a diary and an illustration of that experience as if you were there. Include location, type, destruction, deaths, etc. (Template included) 4) Research a major volcano eruption and make a diary and an illustration of that experience as if you were there. Include location, type, destruction, deaths, etc. (Template included) 5) Research a mountain range and make a diary and an illustration of what you think it would be like to live there. Include name, location, altitude, effects, etc. (Template included) 6) Write a paper discussing what the earth would be like if we did not have plate tectonics. (At least 3 paragraphs) 7) Write a postcard to a friend detailing what you learned in class today. (Template included) 8) Write a comic strip using cartoons and humor to explain the theory of plate tectonics. (Template included) 9) Create a collage of plate tectonics topics and write a 1-2 paragraph explanation. 10) Create a Facebook profile for earthquakes. (Template included) 11) Create a Facebook profile for volcanoes. (Template included 12) Create a Facebook profile for mountains. (Template included) 13) Create a Facebook profile for faults. (Template included) 14) Create a biopoem about earthquakes. (Instruction sheet included) 15) Create a biopoem about volcanoes. (Instruction sheet included) 16) Create a biopoem about mountains. (Instruction sheet included) 17) Create a biopoem about faults. (Instruction sheet included) 18) Create a 10 question multiple choice quiz.

#3-5 Diary Template

#7 Postcard Template (Front)

P  L  A  T   E  T   E  C  T  O   N   I   C  S 

#7 Postcard Template (Back)

#8 Comic Strip Template (Page 1)

#8 Comic Strip Template (Page 2)

#8 Comic Strip Template (Page 3)

#8 Comic Strip Template (Page 4)

#8 Comic Strip Template (Page 5)

#10-13 Facebook Profile Template

#14-17 Biopoem Instruction Sheet

Type of geological event/landform

3 adjectives of this type of geological event/landform

Important quotation related to this type of geological event/landform

Names of 3 examples of this type of geological event/landform on the Earth

3 characteristics of this type of geological event/landform

3 words this type of geological event/landform might say if it could talk

3 people associated with the history of this type of geological event/landform

How this type of geological event/landform makes a difference

How this type of geological event/landform is remembered

How this type of geological event/landform is formed

E. Closure ! The students will individually present their projects to the class. ! Ask the following questions: (Ask as many as time permits) Knowledge " How many types of plate boundaries are there? " List 3 types of landforms. Comprehension " What is the definition of a landform? " Describe the effect plate tectonics has on everyday life. Application " Demonstrate a geological event created by plate tectonics. " Can you apply the theory of plate tectonics to a personal experience? Analysis " Compare and contrast a normal mountain to a volcano. " Can you distinguish between the different types of plate boundaries? Synthesis " Predict what it would be like to live through an earthquake. " What would you do if you were in that situation? Evaluation " What would you recommend to someone who wanted to live near a volcano? " Can you think of a solution to protecting oneself during a volcanic eruption? ! Conclude the lesson by stating the rationale to the students: “Students need a better understanding of the characteristics and the effects plate tectonics can have on the earth. Knowing how Earth’s tectonic plates constantly move, evolve and interact is imperative to understanding the causes of major landforms and geological events. By allowing students to explore and research the process of plate tectonics, they are given a foundation to build further knowledge of plate tectonics and each landform upon. The purpose of this lesson is to allow s tudents to understand the different geological events that occur and landforms that form as a result of the movement of plate boundaries. Tectonic plate movement can cause minimal to life threatening impacts on our lives and communities. It is important that students understand the impact plate tectonics can have due to the vast numer of landforms that form and geological events that occur each year.”

III.Lesson Follow-Up A. Assessment ! Each student will work quietly and independently. ! Pass out blank scavenger hunt worksheets to the students. (The same worksheet they filled out at the beginning of class, in the motivation section of this lesson plan) ! They are to complete this worksheet again, this time without any clues or answer cards placed around the room. ! If eight or more of the questions are answered correction, give full credit to the students. ! They are to answer the questions in complete sentences.

B. Extension or Reinforcement Activity ! The teacher will assemble a class-created textbook with the students’ completed assignments. ! Make each student a copy of each of completed assignment. ! Hole punch and bind all of the completed assignments together with yarn and a premade cover sheet on top. ! Hole punch and bind the original assignments the students created on cardstock with a premade cover sheet on top. This will be the class copy and will remain in the classroom. ! Get the students attention and say, “We are going to read one more book about landforms and plate tectonics before class is dismissed.” ! Present the class-created textbook to the students. ! Flip through the pages (the students’ assignments) showing the class each page and providing a brief summary of each assignment.