Subject: Science
Grade Level: Grade 10
Objective:
1. Describe continental drift and seafloor spreading theory.
2. Explain the causes of plate movement based on continental drift theory and seafloor
spreading theory.
3. Be aware of the effects of different processes and forces in our environment.
Learning across the curriculum:
- Geography: Study the movement of continents and its impact on landforms.
- History: Explore the historical development of the theory of continental drift.
- Math: Analyze data related to plate tectonics and its effects.
Elicit:
Access prior knowledge: Ask students what they know about the movement of
continents and plate tectonics.
Engage:
1. Show a video clip of the Earth's changing continents and ask students to discuss the
changes they observe.
2. Conduct a group discussion on the impact of plate tectonics on the formation of mountains
and oceanic trenches.
3. Present a real-life case study of how plate tectonics caused a volcanic eruption or an
earthquake.
Explore:
Activity 1 - Modeling Continental Drift
Materials: Large map of the world, markers, colored paper, scissors, glue
Instructions:
1. Divide the class into small groups.
2. Provide each group with a large map of the world.
3. Instruct the groups to cut out the continents from colored paper.
4. Have the groups move the continents around on the map to simulate continental drift.
5. Ask each group to explain their observations and discuss the implications of continental
drift.
Rubric:
- Accuracy of continent placement: 10 points
- Explanation of observations: 10 points
Assessment questions:
1. What evidence supports the theory of continental drift?
2. How does the movement of continents affect the Earth's surface?
Activity 2 - Seafloor Spreading Simulation
Materials: Playdough, ruler, markers
Instructions:
1. Divide the class into pairs.
2. Provide each pair with a piece of playdough.
3. Instruct the pairs to flatten the playdough and mark a line down the middle to represent a
mid-ocean ridge.
4. Have the pairs push the playdough apart to simulate seafloor spreading.
5. Ask each pair to measure the distance the playdough moved and discuss the process of
seafloor spreading.
Rubric:
- Accuracy of playdough representation: 10 points
- Explanation of seafloor spreading process: 10 points
Assessment questions:
1. What causes seafloor spreading?
2. How does seafloor spreading contribute to the movement of continents?
Activity 3 - Investigating the Effects of Plate Tectonics
Materials: Internet access, research materials
Instructions:
1. Assign each student a specific process or force related to plate tectonics (e.g., volcanic
eruptions, earthquakes, mountain formation).
2. Instruct students to research and gather information about the effects of their assigned
process or force.
3. Have students create a visual presentation or infographic to present their findings to the
class.
Rubric:
- Research accuracy and depth: 10 points
- Visual presentation quality: 10 points
Assessment questions:
1. How do volcanic eruptions impact the environment?
2. What are the effects of mountain formation on the Earth's surface?
Explain:
1. Conduct a lecture on the history and development of the theory of continental drift,
highlighting key figures and evidence.
2. Facilitate a class discussion on the causes of plate movement based on continental drift
theory and seafloor spreading theory.
Elaborate:
1. Assign students to create a comic strip or storyboard illustrating the process of continental
drift and its effects.
2. Organize a debate where students argue for or against the theory of plate tectonics and
support their arguments with evidence.
Evaluate:
1. Assess students' understanding through a written quiz that includes questions about
continental drift, seafloor spreading, and plate movements.
2. Observe students' participation and engagement during class discussions and activities.
Extend:
Encourage students to explore current research and advancements in the field of plate
tectonics. They can write a short report or give a presentation on a specific aspect of plate
tectonics that interests them.
Assignment:
Write an essay discussing the impact of plate tectonics on the Earth's surface and the
environment. Support your arguments with evidence and examples.