Description
This comprehensive 5E Middle School NGSS packet on the plate tectonics is specially designed to align with the NGSS Middle School MS-ESS2-2 standard. A visually interactive powerpoint covers the main concepts in the standard “construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth’s surface at varying time and spatial scales“.
A google classroom distance learning version is also included so you’re all set whether you have face to face classes or have to teach remotely. You can relax and teach knowing that you’ve got this covered.
The topics are explored and developed in the science stations.
Topics covered include:
- Alfred Wegener’s Theory of Continental Drift and Pangea
- Evidence: fossil, rock layers, sea floor spreading, GPS
- Convection Currents
- Converging plates
- Diverging plates
- Subduction
- Sea ridge
- Fault-block mountains
- Fold mountains
- Volcanic mountains
- Seismic waves; P waves, S waves
- Richter scale
- Weathering – mechanical/chemical
- Erosion
- Deposition
Here’s what’s included in this packet:
- Engagement activity including I CAN (editable) objective statement
- Explore – science station lab (see below)
- Explain – fully editable powerpoint
- Elaborate -editable student choice board
- Evaluate – differentiated assessment
- Notes
Lab/Science Stations
⭐ Make It [1, 2, 3]
Here are three hands-on labs where the students will demonstrate
- converging continental plates
- converging continental and oceanic plates
- converging oceanic plates
using Graham crackers and frosting. Full photo instructions as well as student handouts are provided. It’s a great way to reinforce these concepts.
- Read It – at this station the students will read about Alfred Wegener and his discoveries relating to plate tectonics.
- Watch It – students watch a short video on weathering and answer questions on the video.
- Illustrate It – students illustrate their understanding of a weathering process in a cartoon format. Explanatory text is provided.
The Case for Continental Drift is a perfect companion for this lesson. Science stations with a difference where your students will prepare a defense for Alfred Wegener based on scientific evidence. They’re going to love it! (MS-ESS2-3 aligned).
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NGSS and Next Generation Science Standards are a registered trademark of Achieve. Neither Achieve nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards was involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.