Introduction
Did you know the earth is kind of like a great big puzzle?! It actually used to look completely different than it does now!
This is how the earth looks today:
But this is how it used to look:
Do you see the difference?
Task
By the end of this WebQuest, you should have a basic understanding of what plate tectonics are and how they affect the world!
Task 1- Compare and describe each of these layer's of the earth: core, mantle, and crust.
Task 2- Explain and understand the theory of Plate Tectonics.
Task 3- Describe the three types of tectonic plates and how the process leads to changes in the earth's surface features.
Within this WebQuest, you will be asked to follow a link to learn about the layers of our earth, watch a short Youtube video explaining Plate Tectonics and also participate in a group project. These tools will help introduce the concept of plate tectonics and help you to understand how the process begins and what results come from the interaction of these SUPER plates.
Good Luck and get ready to COLLIDE into some fun!
Process
First, let's discuss the layers of the earth.
Task 1: DIVIDE the layers of the Earth.
1. Break up into groups of 3.
2. Click on the link below.
https://www.amnh.org/ology/features/stufftodo_earth/edible_main.php
Within your group, discuss the layers of the earth and describe their characteristics and then answer the following questions:
1. Name the layers of the earth.
2. Which layer of the earth do we live on?
3. Which layers can be described as solid? Which layers can be described as a liquid?
Now that you have discussed the layers of the earth, let's review the theory of the plate tectonics and how this journey begins.
Task 2: SLIDE into the Plate Tectonics theory.
1. Click on the link below to watch a video on plate tectonics.
Within the group, answer the following questions:
1. What are the large, moving plates of the earth called?
2. In which way do the tectonic plates cause earthquakes?
3. In which way do the tectonic plates create mountains?
4. Name the three main types of plate boundaries.
Last but not least! Let's finish up with a group project. This is an interactive group project that will allow you to see changes in the earth's surface based on interactions of plate boundaries.
Task 3: COLLIDE with a Group Project
1. Click on the link below.
2. Follow the instructions provided with the link.
3. Work within your group to answers and discuss the questions on the instructions page
Now click on the Evaluation page to see how you did!
Evaluation
Evaluation:
|
CATEGORY |
25 points |
20 points |
10 points |
5 points |
|
Overall Participation |
Used time well and focused attention on the WebQuest. |
Used time pretty well. Stayed focused on the WebQuest most of the time. |
Did the WebQuest but did not appear very interested. Focus was lost on several occasions. |
Participation in the WebQuest was minimal OR student was hostile about participating. |
|
Task 1: Layers of Earth |
Illustrates an accurate and thorough understanding of scientific concepts described in the diagram. Able to answer all questions correctly. |
Illustrates an accurate understanding of most scientific concepts described in the diagram. Able to answer most questions correctly. |
Illustrates a limited understanding of scientific concepts described in the diagram. Not able to answer most questions correctly. |
Illustrates an inaccurate understanding of scientific concepts described in the diagram. Not able to answer any questions correctly. |
|
Task 2: Video |
Illustrates an accurate and thorough understanding of scientific concepts described in the video. Able to answer all questions correctly. |
Illustrates an accurate understanding of most scientific concepts described in the video. Able to answer most questions correctly. |
Illustrates a limited understanding of scientific concepts described in the video. Not able to answer most questions correctly. |
Illustrates an inaccurate understanding of scientific concepts described in the video. Not able to answer any questions correctly. |
|
Task 3: Group Project |
Successfully executed each experiment with the Oreo cookie and answered all questions correctly. |
Successfully executed most experiments with the Oreo cookie and answered most questions correctly. |
Successfully executed some experiments with the Oreo cookie and answered less than half of the questions correctly. |
Unsuccessfully executed any experiments with the Oreo cookie and answered none of the questions correctly. |
TOTAL: __________
Conclusion
Congratulations!
You've completed the Plate Tectonics WebQuest!
In conclusion, you should be able to:
- Compare and describe each of these layer's of the earth: Core, mantle, and crust.
- Explain and understand the theory of Plate Tectonics.
- Describe the three types of tectonic plates and how the process leads to changes in the earth's surface features.
You now have a great grasp of how Plate Tectonics work and how they affect the geography of our earth! Understanding the important topics covered in this WebQuest will lead you on the path to becoming a magnificent geologist!!
