Lesson Purpose
In the last lesson, you learned that the interior of the Earth changed over time to give the planet the unique layering that it currently possesses. In this lesson, you will learn that the surface of the Earth changes as well. The high temperature that caused the differentiation of the Earth's layers continue even today. In a process known as Plate Tectonics, the heat and movement of the mantle floating under the Earth's crust drive the movement of the Earth's crust over its surface. The slow shifting of these tectonic plates explains the shape of our continents as well as mountain ranges and traumatic events like earthquakes.
The outcomes of this lesson are: 1.) To use evidence to explain how the Earth and its atmosphere developed and changed over time; 2.) To explain the basic mechanisms and key pieces of evidence for plate tectonics, and how plate tectonics impacts life on Earth.
The outcomes of this lesson are: 1.) To use evidence to explain how the Earth and its atmosphere developed and changed over time; 2.) To explain the basic mechanisms and key pieces of evidence for plate tectonics, and how plate tectonics impacts life on Earth.
Activity 1 - The Solar System & the Earth: Crash Course
Activity Objectives
Crash Course Big History Episode #3. This video provides a review of the key lessons about formation of the Earth and Solar System and the early history of the Earth, and then provides a brief introduction to plate tectonics, the focus of this lesson. Activity Tasks
|
The formation of the Sun made possible the formation of our Solar System. The circumstances of the Earth’s formation and its early history created conditions that made life possible on our planet. The fact that the Sun was a second generation star, meaning that a greater diversity of elements was available for the formation of the Earth, is just one of the many results of this process that affected the ability of life to develop on Earth.
|
Activity 2 - Our Shifting Globe
The movement of the continents, driven by plate tectonics, is critical to understanding the Big History story. Changes to the planet occur really, really slowly. Over very, very long periods of time, the results are dramatic. The movement of the tectonic plates shapes our continents and the land around us. At the same time, the movement of tectonic plates alternately exposes and conceals mineral deposits that we use every day.
|
Activity Objectives
The surface of the Earth is changing all the time. It’s now possible for scientists to determine how the tectonic plates on the surface of the Earth have moved over time, and write the history of the Earth. Understanding how and why plates move is important for understanding both the Earth’s history and the changing conditions in the biosphere. Activity Tasks
|
Activity 3 - Claim Testing: Geology and the Earth's Formation
Activity Objectives
You should already be familiar with claims testing from previous lessons. This activity will allow you to review the four claims testers and understand how scientists would investigate claims about plate tectonics. Activity Tasks
|
Activity 4 - "Why We're all Lava Surfers"
Activity Objectives
Earthquakes and volcanoes happen as a result of plate movements. Both are events that all humans are familiar with, either from actually observing them or seeing them on television or the Internet. This reading draws a connection between these familiar events and the evidence for plate tectonics. Activity Tasks
|
Activity 5 - Biography of a Continent
Activity Objectives
The early Earth was an inhospitable place. It wasn’t until the start of the Archaean eon, almost 700 million years after the Earth was created, that rocks formed, which made possible the development of the massive formations we call continents. Although all the continents formed at about the same time, there are important ways in which they differ. In this activity, in groups you will investigate the characteristics of the individual continents, which will help them see the similarities and differences. Activity Tasks
|
Challenge Yourself! - Optional Activities
1. Learn how lonely, cold, and distant Pluto got demoted to "dwarf planet" status in 2006.
2. Find out about global earthquake and seismic activity happening right now!
3. In 1960, the most powerful earthquake ever recorded happened near Valdivia, Chile and rated an almost off-the-charts 9.5 on the Richter scale.
4. Visit the volcanoes of Hawaii and experience the beauty of an active lava lake.
2. Find out about global earthquake and seismic activity happening right now!
3. In 1960, the most powerful earthquake ever recorded happened near Valdivia, Chile and rated an almost off-the-charts 9.5 on the Richter scale.
4. Visit the volcanoes of Hawaii and experience the beauty of an active lava lake.