IC Lessons Plate Tectonics
This is lesson _4_ of _4_ in this IC
A. Title of this lesson: Hot Spots and Island Chains
B. Summary of this lesson
Introduction: We have been talking about plate movement, but exactly how
fast are they moving. Scientist estimate the speed of a moving plate ranges
from one to ten centimeters each year. On average, that’s about as fast as
your fingernails grow! Even when you are walking slowly, you are moving very
quickly compared to a plate moving on Earth’s surface. Plates move so slowly
that scientists measure their movement in millions of years!
Let’s think about it. If a lithospheric plate moved 5 centimeters per year for
1,000 years, how far would it have traveled in this time? (Answer: 5 meters)
Scientists know that the Hawaiian Islands are moving over a hot spot. Using
this information, today we will calculate how fast the Pacific Plate is moving.
C. Objective(s)/Learning Goal(s)/ Key Student Learning(s) of this lesson
Work in Progress
D. Teacher Background Knowledge for this lesson
Mid-ocean ridges from when rising hot mantle rocks separate the plate above
it. Sometimes a single hot rising plume, called a mantle plume, causes a
volcanic eruption in the plate above it. If the eruption is strong and last long
enough, the volcanic eruption may form an island on the plate. Plates move
more quickly than the underlying mantle plumes. After the island forms, the
movement of the plate carries it away from the mantle plume. Without the
heat from the mantle plume underneath, the volcano that formed the island
becomes dormant. In the meantime, a new volcano begins to form on the part
of the plate that is now over the mantle plume.
Created by San Lorenzo USD Teachers: Julie Ramirez, Veenu Soni, Marilyn Stewart, and Lawrence Yano
(2012)
IC Lessons Plate Tectonics
This is lesson _4_ of _4_ in this IC
This process repeats over and over again and forms a string of islands. The first
island formed in the string is made of old dormant volcanoes, while the most
recent island the string probably has active volcanoes. Scientists determine the
direction and speed of plate movement by measuring these island chains. The
Hawaiian Islands are a good example of an island chain formed by a mantle
plume hot spot. We can use the activity “How Fast Does a Plate Move” as a
math activity to figure out the speed of movement.
E. Prior knowledge that students need to understand this lesson - with an assessment to
determine what they already know (if appropriate).
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F. Standards covered in this lesson
Current California Science Standards
NGSS
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CCSS that apply
Reading:
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Writing:
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Listening & Speaking:
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Math:
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G. Suggested time to complete this lesson
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Created by San Lorenzo USD Teachers: Julie Ramirez, Veenu Soni, Marilyn Stewart, and Lawrence Yano
(2012)
IC Lessons Plate Tectonics
This is lesson _4_ of _4_ in this IC
H. Materials Used in this lesson typed in a bulleted list with quantities (e.g., 10 beakers; water – 2 liters)
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I. Materials Prep for this lesson
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J. Lesson Plan – detailed, numbered step-by-step plans.
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K. Vocabulary words – key vocabulary words that are targeted or taught as part of the lesson.
(Understanding these words is essential for students to understand the key concepts of this lesson.)
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L. Potential Pitfalls for: a. student understanding; b. laboratory mishaps and common procedural errors;
c. academic vocabulary issues, etc.
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M.Differentiation: Modifications for English Learners, advanced learners, struggling learners, etc.
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N. Please list all worksheets used in this lesson.
How fast is Pacific plate moving activity.pdf
Created by San Lorenzo USD Teachers: Julie Ramirez, Veenu Soni, Marilyn Stewart, and Lawrence Yano
(2012)
IC Lessons Plate Tectonics
This is lesson _4_ of _4_ in this IC
O. Please list all assessments that require a separate sheet.
Work in Progress
P. Photos/Illustrations
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Q. Other Resources
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Created by San Lorenzo USD Teachers: Julie Ramirez, Veenu Soni, Marilyn Stewart, and Lawrence Yano
(2012)