Name: Nayelly Coronado

PT 6.3: Plate Tectonics

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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:
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
Transfer Earthquakes, deformation of
crusts due to friction, and it
creates faults.

Divergent Earthquakes, formation of

ocean trenches or ridges,
volcanoes, and formation of
valleys.

Convergent Earthquakes, volcanic

eruptions, new islands, and
formation of mountains.

Task 3 - Reflection Questions

1. What is Pangea?
It’s a supercontinent that included each of Earth’s landmasses

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

The continents on Earth changed as they all separated from one another and moved
away from each other.

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

Tectonic plates are like magnets in the Earth that move around slowly and move the
continents that are on top of them with them.

4. Do you think the tectonic plates are still moving today? What do you think could cause
the tectonic plates to move?
 I don’t think tectonic plates are still moving today because as far as I know none of the
continents on Earth have moved. Global warming could possibly cause tectonic plates
to move since they need heat that’s within the layers of the Earth to move.

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: It’s shown that the Earth’s continents have moved to different
positions over time.

Geological Evidence: Pangea shows the separation of continents and how they
distance themselves based on their differences.

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 by separating the
different species onto continents where they belong. Some animals live in cold
weather and others live in hot or warm weather. As plate tectonics moved around the
earth, so did the animals. They were separated into different areas of the world and
each lived completely different lives. The separation of these areas is called Pangea, a
theory created by Alfred Wegner. Alfred’s theory was that the continents were slowly
moving all around the Earth. He saw continents like puzzle pieces that were meant to
fit together.

The plates that move the continents caused boundaries between each of them. A
convergent boundary is when a new crust is formed as two plates collide with each
other. Divergent boundaries are when two plates separate from each other and form a
new crust. Transform boundary plates that move horizontally and don’t create a crust.
As each of these boundaries are formed there are effects that occur as they move.
These effects would be earthquakes, crust deformation, volcanic eruptions, new
islands, and new mountains.

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.
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
● Plate tectonics ● Plate tectonics
● Pangea ● Pangea
● Plate boundary ● Divergent plate boundary
● Convergent plate boundary
● Transform plate boundary
● Alfred Wegener
● Continental Drift
❏ 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.
Score 4 Words
● Plate tectonics
● Pangea
● Divergent plate boundary
● Convergent plate boundary
● Transform plate boundary
● Alfred Wegener
● Continental Drift
● Crust
● Mantle
● Earthquakes
● Volcanic Eruptions
● Ocean trench