Name: ______________________________________ Period: _______ Date: __________________
CER Question
: What is the theory of continental drift? What evidence exists to support this theory?
Explanation:
Continental drift was a theory proposed in 1912 by Alfred Wegener which suggested the movement of continents. This theory is a part of the concept of plate tectonics.
Continents have been drifting for hundreds of millions of years.
Instructions : There is lots of evidence that supports Wegener’s theory of continental drift. The shapes of the continents themselves, the cross continental distribution of fossil records belonging to similar species, locations of similar types of rock across continents, evidence of glacial movement and the placement of various geological formations all provide evidence that support the theory of continental drift.
Your task is to conduct research on each type of evidence. You will utilize your research to construct a claim statement to answer the questions “What is the theory of continental drift? What evidence exists to support this theory?” You will include a body of evidence (drawn from your research) supporting your claim, and develop reasoning that connects your evidence to you claim AND provides an explanation of each piece of evidence you include.
Due Date
:
CER
Outline : Thursday, November 12th, 2015
Essay : Tuesday, November 24 th
, 2015 (end of class)
1.
Introduction : Introduce Continental Drift, give background info (Alfred Wegener’s role in discovering the pieces of evidence, Claim Statement .
(At least 5 sentences)
STRUCTURE
2.
First Body Paragraph : Explanation of the first piece of evidence that supports your claim.
Include a clear connection to your claim. This means your reasoning will be included with your evidence in this paragraph.
(At least 5 sentences)
3.
Second Body Paragraph : Explanation of the second piece of evidence that supports your claim. Include a clear connection to your claim. This means your reasoning will be included with your evidence in this paragraph.
(At least 5 sentences)
4.
Third Body Paragraph : Explanation of the third piece of evidence that supports your claim.
Include a clear connection to your claim. This means your reasoning will be included with your evidence in this paragraph. (At least 5 sentences)
5.
Fourth Body Paragraph : Explanation of the fourth piece of evidence that supports your claim. Include a clear connection to your claim. This means your reasoning will be included with your evidence in this paragraph. (At least 5 sentences)
6.
Conclusion Paragraph : Reword claim statement, wrap up your discussion of the evidence (summarize your body paragraphs. (At least 5 sentences)

Fill in your research details for each piece of evidence.
Continental Shape:
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Geologic Similarities:
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DO NOT INCLUDE:
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First Person
 “You may be wondering…”
 “I will be using…”
Fossils:
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Glacial Scarring:
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Include:
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Claim Statement (at end of intro)
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Topic sentences
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Ending/concluding sentences

(2nd Paragraph)
Evidence 1:
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Brief Explanation: ____________________
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How does this evidence support your claim?
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(3rd Paragraph)
Evidence 2:
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Brief Explanation: ____________________
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How does this evidence support your claim?
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(4th Paragraph)
Evidence 3:
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Brief Explanation: ____________________
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How does this evidence support your claim?
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(5th Paragraph)
Evidence 4:
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Brief Explanation:
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How does this evidence support your claim?
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Introducing your topic: o Start with an explanation of continental drift.
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Make sure you include some history.
o Continuing your intro: ____________________________________________________________
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Claim Statement : o A claim must answer the essay question/prompt.
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Remember the essay question is: What is the theory of continental drift? What evidence exists to support this theory? o It must explain in one statement, your entire argument and set up your body paragraphs. o It must go at the end of your Introduction. o
Your Claim: The theory of continental drift is _________________; it is supported by
_________________________ (Evidence #1), ___________________ (Evidence #2),
_________________ (Evidence #3), and __________________________ (Evidence #4).
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Beginning of the concluding paragraph: o It must restate the claim in different words o Remember, use the reworded claim at the beginning of your conclusion o Original Claim from the Introduction: _______________________________________________
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Summarizing your argument: o After the restated claim you need to wrap up your thoughts. o Summarize the different body paragraphs arguments in relation to your claim.
 Body Paragraph #1: _______________________________________________________
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Body Paragraph #2: _______________________________________________________
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Body Paragraph #3: _______________________________________________________
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Body Paragraph #4: _______________________________________________________
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Include a "closer" statement that clearly and effectively brings the essay to an end:
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