Name: ____________________________
Continental Drift
Background
Use http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/geology/anim1.html and any other resources you know about to
refresh your memory about the theory of continental drift. Then complete the following lab.
Hypothesis
Briefly answer each question below.
How will the shape of the continents change over time?
How will the shape of the oceans change over time?
What will cause these changes?
Materials
Pencil
Glue Stick
Scissors
2 to 4 “World Cut Up” maps
Procedure
1. Cut the "World Cut Up Map” on the black lines (plates). (The “World Cut Up Map” is at the back
of this lab booklet).
2. Then glue the continents at the position that they were located 250 million years ago in the area
on the next page labeled: 250 Million Years Ago.
3. Label the map with the continent called Pangaea and the ocean called Panthalassa.
4. Cut the “World Today Map” and place the continent cutouts the way you think they will look in
100 million years from now. (The “World Cut Up Map” may be found at the back of this lab
booklet).
5. Title the map 100 Million Years From Now.
6. Label the map with the names of each of the continents and oceans. Some of the names may
be the same as they are now, but if the orientation of the continents and oceans will change
significantly, feel free to rename them.
Conclusion
Write a paragraph below that explains the reasons why you placed the continents and oceans
where you did on your 100 Million Years From Now map.
250 Million Years Ago
100 Million Years From Now