Earth to Class

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL SCIENCE: PLATE TECTONICS

Core Concepts	Suggested Activity
2.2a. The interior of Earth is hot. Heat flow and movement of material within Earth cause sections of Earth's crust to move. This may result in earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the creation of mountains and ocean basins.	Study patterns of earthquake and volcanic activity.
2.2b. Analysis of earthquake wave data (vibrational disturbances) leads to the conclusion that there are layers within Earth. These layers--the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core--have distinct properties.	Make a drawing or physical model showing the Earth's layers and their general characteristics.
2.2c. Folded, tilted, faulted, and displaced rock layers suggest past crustal movement.	Use models to study possible crustal movements.
2.2d. Continents fitting together like puzzle parts and fossil correlations provided initial evidence that continents were once together.	Construct a jigsaw model of the plates.
2.2e. The theory of Plate Tectonics explains how the "solid" lithosphere consists of a series of plates that "float" on the partially molten section of the mantle. Convection cells within the mantle may be the driving force for the movement of the plates.	Examine models of convection and plate tectonics.
2.2f. Plates may collide, move apart, or slide past each other. Most volcanic activity and mountain building occur at the boundaries of these plates, often resulting in earthquakes.	Plot the location of recent earthquake and volcanic activity on a map and identify patterns of distribution.