Name:

PT 6.3: Plate Tectonics

_______________________________________

Learning Target
HS-ESS1-5 I can evaluate evidence of the past and current movements of continental and
oceanic crust and the theory of plate tectonics to explain the ages of crustal rocks.

Guiding Questions
What biological and geological evidence supports the theory of plate
tectonics?

Background
Plate tectonic theory had its beginnings in 1915 when Alfred Wegener proposed
that continents gradually move on the surface of Earth. He noticed that since the
continents fit together like a jigsaw puzzle, they must’ve been one large landmass
that broke apart which led him to come up with his theory of "continental drift."

Paleontologists also found that there were fossils of similar species found on
continents that are now separated by great geographic distance. Paleoclimate
studies, which examines the climate in Earth's past, revealed that glaciers
covered large areas of the world which also are now separated by great
geographic distances. These observations seemed to indicate that the Earth's
lithosphere has been moving over time.
Task 1 - Evidence
DIRECTIONS (To be done in class, on paper):
1. Label the land masses: South America, Africa, Australia, India, & Antarctica.
2. Color the fossil areas to match the key below.
3. Cut out each of the continents along the edge of the continental shelf (the outermost
dark line).
4. Try to piece the continents together so that they form a giant supercontinent.
5. Once you are satisfied with the 'fits' of the continents, paste your supercontinent on the
next page.

**Complete TASK 1 on paper and turn into your teacher.**

Teacher signature: Corey
Task 2 - Analyzing Data
DIRECTIONS: complete the chart below based on the information you learned
about the 3 types of plate boundaries.

Direction of Movement Type and description of Effects

Plate Boundary
Transform boundaries: crust is
neither produced nor
destroyed as the plates slide
horizontally past each other.
Can cause earthquakes and
deformation of crusts due to
friction. Also creates faults,
which are large breaks in the
crust.

Convergent boundaries: where Can cause earthquakes,

new crust is created as the volcanic eruptions, formation
plates collide with one another. of mountains, and create new
islands.

Divergent boundaries: where newCan cause earthquakes,

created as the plates pull away f volcanoes, formation of ocean
other. trenches or ridges, and
formation of valleys.

Task 3 - Reflection Questions

1. What is Pangea?
Pangea is the name from when all the continents were just one whole

2. How have the continents on Earth changed over time?

Continents have changed over time because of the tectonic plates movement

3. In your own words, what are tectonic plates?

Tectonic plates are plates that have moved across earth's surface for hundreds of
millions of years

4. Do you think the tectonic plates are still moving today? What do you think could cause
the tectonic plates to move?
 Yes, I think the tectonic plates are still moving today. I think the tectonic plates move
because they are just floating around on magma.

5. Imagine that you are Alfred Wegener, trying to support your hypothesis that the
continents were once joined together. What biological and geological evidence would
you present to prove that your hypothesis was correct?
Biological Evidence: Plants and animal fossils

Geological Evidence: The continents fit like puzzle pieces

6. Write 2-3 paragraphs on the following topic: How did continental drift impact the
evolution of animals and plants living on Earth at the time? Explain.
Continental drift impacted the evolution of animals and plants living on Earth at the
time because the tectonic plates are floating around on magma causing the plates to
move. Continental drift also impacted the evolution of plants and animals living on
Earth at the time because all the continents used to be just one and the name for
them as a whole was “Pangea.”

MASTERY RUBRIC AND COMPLETION CHECKLIST

Learning Target
(HS-ESS1-5) I can evaluate evidence of the past and current movements of continental and
oceanic crust and the theory of plate tectonics to explain the ages of crustal rocks.

Guiding Question
What biological and geological evidence supports the theory of plate tectonics?

1 Concerns (2) Goal Achieved (3) Exceeded Mastery (4)

(Similar to a C) (Similar to a B or B+) (Similar to an A or A+)

A score of 2 means you 1) Topic and Content
did everything you My argument has a
knowledgeable and
were supposed to but
your answer may have thoughtful response to the
used some vocabulary learning target(s) and guiding
incorrectly or your use question(s).
of evidence was unclear
2) Use of Evidence and
or missing some
Analysis
important details.
My argument is supported by
information from the
provided class resources
and class activities.
❏ Answered the challenge question?
❏ Real-world examples or
applications used not from the
class activity.
❏ Supported my argument with
information that was not
provided in class and cited
correctly.
❏ Used all score 4 vocabulary.
You need at least 3 boxes
checked from the above boxes to
have a chance at earning a
grade of 4 if you got a 3 on
everything else.
IMPORTANT! Any information used that is NOT learned from class MUST be cited or you will have to
redo the assignment! You must use YOUR OWN WORDS.
Required Vocabulary: If you do not use ALL of the Score 2 words you will get NO CREDIT.

Score 2 Words Score 3 Words Score 4 Words

● Plate tectonics ● Plate tectonics ● Plate tectonics

● Pangea ● Pangea ● Pangea
● Plate boundary ● Divergent plate boundary ● Divergent plate boundary
● Convergent plate boundary ● Convergent plate boundary
● Transform plate boundary ● Transform plate boundary
● Alfred Wegener ● Alfred Wegener
● Continental Drift ● Continental Drift
● Crust
● Mantle
● Earthquakes
● Volcanic Eruptions
● Ocean trench