College of Western Idaho Lesson Plan Template

Name Date
Heidi Sistad 3/17/2021

Subject/Grade Topic
Science/8th Earth’s Systems

The big idea(s) or essential question(s)

Earth’s Mantle & What is plate tectonics?

State of Idaho and/or common core standards addressed

ESS2-MS-3. Analyze and interpret data on the distribution of fossils and rocks,
continental shapes, and seafloor structures to provide evidence of the past plate
motions.

Objectives
(what the students will be able to do as a result of the lesson)

The students will build an understanding of plate tectonics through lab and
discussion.

TSWBAT

The student will be able to explain plate tectonics.

TSWBAT

The student will be able to discuss how mantle rock can affect the earth’s crust.

Materials and/or technology needed

 Cornstarch
 Water
 Trays
 Beakers
 Popsicle sticks
 Goggles
 Gloves (optional)
 Science notebook
 Pencil
 Science book
 Activities/procedures (include anticipated time for each)
Introduction/activator

Previous day: Make students aware that there will be a lab activity with this lesson.
Briefly explain what we will be doing and how that ties into our unit. (5 min)

Day of: Make sure all materials are ready to go. Go over lab rules again.
Reiterate the importance of lab safety--goggles on at all times, no running, no
exceptions. Explain that we will be looking at a mixture of water and corn starch
and using our observations to compare the mixture to the Earth’s mantle. (10
min)

Class activities Class activities

(what you/students will do) (why you will do them)

Students will partner up and head over I will have them partner up to work on
to lab tables. They will begin by team building/cooperation skills, and to
measuring out 250 mL of cornstarch save on supply amounts.
and pouring it into the tray. Next they
will add 100 mL of room-temperature
water, pouring it over the cornstarch,
stirring until blended smoothly with
the popsicle stick. If more water needs
to be added, little amounts at a time!

Tap a finger on the mixture and record To see that when force is quickly
what happens in science notebook. applied, the mixture is a solid.

Slowly press the mixture with your To see that when pressure is slowly
fingertip and record what happens in applied, the solid becomes fluid.
science notebook.

To end the lab, students answer the To assess their understanding of the
following question on a piece of paper process and give points for lab
to turn in: Earth’s mantle is made participation.
from solid rock. Like your mixture, the
mantle rock can also flow like a very
thick liquid. How do you think this
property affects the crust on top of the
mantle? TURN IN FOR LAB
PARTICIPATION GRADE.

Clean up: Add a lot of hot water to the To teach responsibility, teamwork, and
mixture to make a very loose slurry. common courtesy.
Have hot water running as mixture is
being poured down the drain so it
doesn’t clog. Put trays/beakers by
sink, wipe up table area if there are
any spills, throw away popsicle stick.

Estimated lab time: 15-20 min

When finished with lab, students will
return to desks and copy down key
terms on page 144 of their science
book and complete the accompanying
worksheet. (10-15 min)
To bring it all together and have a
clearer understanding of what the text
is trying to relay.

Closure/reminders

Class discussion. Thoughts on the lab? Questions?

Assessment
(how you will know students met the objectives - include rubrics)

Grade “End the Lab” papers turned in.

Grade lab participation based on Lab Rubric:

Score 5 3 1 0
Description Followed lab Followed lab Followed lab Did not follow
safety rules. safety rules. safety rules. lab safety
Followed all Followed most Struggled to rules. Lost lab
directions the directions the stay on task privileges and
first time. Did first time. and follow was unable to
not rush. Was Could have directions. participate as
engaged in taken a little Rushed a result.
the lab and more time. through the
answered all Answered lab. Did not
questions in some answer
science questions in questions in
notebook science science
notebook. notebook.

Accommodations/differentiation

I will provide gloves for students who may not want to touch the mixture with
their bare finger(s).

Allow time for active (on topic) discussion between lab partners.
Reflection/evaluation
(after lesson is taught put your reflections here)

Students loved this lab! They thought it was the coolest thing ever and many
said they were going to make it at home to show their siblings. Clean up took
longer than expected. Paper towels are not adequate when wiping up this mess.
Have a rag on hand instead next time.