Plate Tectonics

HOW IT WORKS

Students learn geologic history and time, stratigraphic nomenclature, general plant and animal fossils of the periods, climatic conditions and the movement of the North American or Laurentia continental plate.  Students learn how to read quickly through information from the Internet extracting the pertinent information to their project.

Teacher Technology Skills Required:

 Web creation / guided lessons.

 Student Technology Skills Required:

 Students develop internet navigation skills.

 Software Materials Used:

 Text editor, or other web authoring tool.

 Teacher Steps To Prepare:

1. photocopy worksheets.

Student Activities:

1.Students read information on the Precambrian period and see example answers to the worksheet. This enables them to see what is required and become research readers.

2.Find information, asked on the worksheet, on three periods in Earth's History.

3.Re-write the information on three index cards.

4. Place index cards on a time line that stretches across a classroom wall.

5. Students can be creative with their representation of each period. They are not limited to index cards. However, the index cards provide the opportunity to consolidate their notes and better understand it.

Related Links:

Dynamic Crust Plate Tectonics.htm: The project web site. 

http://scotese.com/  The site that has many of the sources of information for the project

Edward Colley teaches science at Murry Bergtraum High School in Manhattan.  He is a TeachNet Mentor.

Class periods to complete: 6

Grade Level: 9-12