Introduction
Welcome scientists!
What is the Continental Drift Theory? How were these different continents formed? What evidence is there to prove this theory brought forward? if you have been wondering these questions, you, my fellow research scientists, have come to the right place.
Look at this picture!! What do you notice and wonder about this photo?! Please write down your noticing and wonder thoughts on the back of your worksheet.
So then, research scientists, put on your imaginary thinking caps and get out your magnifying glasses and your scrolls as we go back in time with our chief scientist, Mr. Alfred Wegner, to probe deeper into this topic.
Task
Your job throughout this quest is to look at a variety of sources, keep written notes, participate in a group discussion, and demonstrate your understanding of the Continental Drift Theory by writing a summary and completing a worksheet.
Learning Objective:
Students should be able to:
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Investigate Pangea by looking at a variety of sources
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Summarize the Continental Drift theory in their own words
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List at least 3 pieces of evidence that supports the theory of Continental Drift
Process
Essential question:
What is the theory of Continental Drift?
Step 1
Students will listen to the following podcast and be prepared to participate in a brief discussion that follows.
Link: https://zunal.com/zunal_uploads/files/20200726024151Guqyj.mp3
Step 2
In groups of 4, students will watch a YouTube video entitled: " What Pangea Looked Like?"
Students will be asked to have a discussion and keep notes based on the following points:
- What caused Pangea to disintegrate?
- State 2 pieces of evidence of the Continental Drift theory
- Name one benefit of the disintegration of the Continental Drift theory
Each group must include a scribe (who will take notes), a timekeeper (who will keep track of time for discussion), an editor (who will check the scribe's notes), and a reporter (who will share the group's 3 main points from their discussion).
Step 3
Explore this website and complete the following worksheet.
https://www.britannica.com/place/Pangea/Relevance-to-tectonic-theory
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D_SoR2blBP2ykxs6dl962BY8fwrM3TOnGfo95p_Xykw/edit?usp=sharing
Step 4
Exit Ticket: Pangea Summary
Write down in 3-4 sentences a summary of what you and your group have learned about Pangea.
Evaluation
Here is a breakdown below on how each activity will be graded.
| # | organization /5 | content /5 | accuracy /5 | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.REPORT group work | very organized 5, not very organized 3, no organization 0 | sufficient content 5, limited content 3, no content 0 | very accurate 5, some areas inaccurate 3, all areas inaccurate 0 | 15 | |
| 2. WRITTEN PIECE individual | very organized 5, not very organized 3, no organization 0 | sufficient content 5, limited content 3, no content 0 | very accurate 5, some areas inaccurate 3, all areas inaccurate 0 | 15 | |
| 3. WORKSHEET individual |
very organized 5, not very organized 3, no organization 0 |
sufficient content 5, limited content 3, no content 0 | very accurate 5, some areas inaccurate 3, all areas inaccurate 0 | 15 | |
|
Total Score: 45 |
Conclusion
What a journey this has been, my faithful research scientists! Isn't it crazy to think that the whole world was one giant supercontinent?
You have successfully explored Pangea and the Continents!
I hope all your questions have been answered!
For further research and reading, check the following link:
https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-pangaea-theory-definition-quiz.html
Credits
Inspiration of WebQuest and credit to Chantah Wallace's original WebQuest, we edited and modified based on this WebQuest
Credits to all those links I used as they were used to add content to my Webquest. I hold no rights to them
Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKq0pr4rbRs&t=438s
Also study.com
https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-pangaea-theory-definition-quiz.html
Also Encyclopedia Britannica
https://www.britannica.com/place/Pangea
also the Pangea worksheet
Teacher Page
Grade Level: 6th Grade
Content Standards:
MS-ESS2-3: Analyze and interpret data on the distribution of fossils and rocks, continental shapes, and seafloor structures to provide evidence of past plate motions.
Science and Engineering Practices:
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Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for phenomena.
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Science findings are frequently revised and/or reinterpreted based on new evidence.
Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS2.B: Plate Tectonics and Large-Scale
System Interactions: Maps of ancient land and water patterns, based on investigations of rocks and fossils, make clear how Earth’s plates have moved great distances, collided, and spread apart.