1. Plate Tectonics
Group 2A

2. Enduring Understanding
The processes that are occurring suggest that the Earth’s crust is made of movable plates.

3. Essential Question
Have today’s geologic processes occurred in the past?
Could today’s geologic process occur in the future?

4. Standards Link Standard 4: Earth and Space Science Grades 5-7
Benchmark 2: The student will understand past and present earth processes and their similarity.
Indicator 1: Understands that earth processes obtained today are similar to those that occurred in past; earth history is also influenced by occasional catastrophes, such as the impact of a comet or asteroid.

5. Background Knowledge Basic understanding of earth structure
Basic understanding of earthquakes and volcanoes

6. Misconceptions Students typically do not believe that:
The Earth is made of plates
The plates move

7. Sequence of Activities
Activity 1 – Models of Earth’s Interior
Activity 2 – Flexohexagram
Activity 3 – Pangaea Puzzle
Activity 4 – Drifting Away
Activity 5 – Plate Boundaries (Seisvol)
Activity 6 – Plate Boundaries with Food
Activity 7 – Magnetic Reversals
Activity 8 – Convection