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Sequence of Lesson for
An Introduction to Plate Tectonics
1.
Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives of the Video Tectonic Plates
1. I can describe the characteristics of a tectonic plate.
2. I can use the patterns of earthquakes to draw the
approximate locations of the plate boundaries on a world
map
Preclass video: Students view Tectonic Plates and answer related
questions in an online quiz (for example see
https://geosciencevideos.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/tectonic_plates_quiz.pdf).
2.
Class begins with a review of learning objectives from video and class
lesson (slide 2).
3.
Students answer one or more short answer questions (e.g., slides 3,4,5)
related to video content to allow instructor to confirm comprehension.
4.
Instructor makes presentation on characteristics of Earth’s interior,
internal heat, distribution of surface features (e.g., oceanic ridges).
Lesson broken up by conceptests (e.g., slides 6,7) and short activities.
5.
Class ends with a reflection exercise (slide 8, can be completed after class
if necessary) and review of the day’s learning objectives.
Learning Objectives of the Related Class Lesson
1. I can describe the principal characteristics of Earth’s
compositional layers
2. I can explain the source of internal heat that drives plate
tectonic processes
3. I can identify the distributions of the principal features of
Earth’s surface
1
LO: I can describe the characteristics of a tectonic plate
2
LO: I can describe the characteristics of a tectonic plate
Rank the following definitions of a
tectonic plate (best = 1).
Write a comprehensive description of a
tectonic plate and draw a labeled sketch.
A. A tectonic plate is a segment of the oceanic and
continental crust that lies on top of the mantle.
B. A tectonic plate is a rigid part of the Earth’s crust that
is constantly moving.
C. A tectonic plate consists of the crust and the top layer
in the mantle.
D. A tectonic plate is made up of Earth’s outer layer that
is found in the upper mantle.
E. A tectonic plate is a rigid layer of Earth that moves in
the asthenosphere.
F. A tectonic plate is lithosphere.
3
LO: I can use the patterns of earthquakes to draw locations of the plate boundaries on a world map
Draw the plate boundaries and name the major tectonic
plates on the map.
4
LO: I can describe the principal characteristics of Earth’s compositional layers
Which of the images below best
approximates the relative distribution
of Earth’s core, mantle and crust?
1. Big core,
thin crust
2. Small core,
thick crust
3. Big core,
thick
crust
4. Small core,
thin crust
Map created from http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map/
1
LO: I can identify the distributions of the principal features of Earth’s surface
Reflection Exercise
Which statement is the most accurate?
1.
Volcanoes or earthquakes are found along
all the edges of all continents.
2.
Volcanoes or earthquakes are found along
all the edges of some continents.
3.
Volcanoes or earthquakes are found along
some of the edges of all continents.
4.
Volcanoes or earthquakes are found along
some the edges of some continents.
1. Look over your notes and sketch and label
a diagram that illustrates
a) A tectonic plate
b) A cross-section through Earth’s interior
2. Answer the following:
a) What was the most interesting thing you learned
today?
b) What remains the most confusing concept?
7
8
2