Download Plate Tectonics - Galena Park ISD

Unit 3: Plate Tectonics
Teacher Background:
Plate Tectonic Theory (8.9A)
The student is expected to describe the historical development of evidence
that supports plate tectonic theory. the student is expected to relate plate
tectonics to the formation of crustal features (ex. folded mountain, rift
valley, trench, volcanic mountains, and island arcs).
Teaching Target:

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In the early 20th century, Alfred Wegener developed early theories of
continental drift, indicating that the continents of Earth move and
historically were in different positions than they are currently.
In the 1960s, scientific discoveries about seafloor spreading, combined
with earlier theories of continental drift, led to a theory of plate
tectonics.
According to the theory of plate tectonics, Earth’s lithosphere is made
of plates that move and cause changes to crustal features at plate
boundaries.
Formation of Crustal Features (8.9B)
The student is expected to relate plate tectonics to the formation of crustal
features (ex. folded mountain, rift valley, trench, volcanic mountains, and
island arcs).
Teaching Target

Features on Earth’s crust can be observed as consequences of plate
tectonics.
A convergent boundary occurs when two plates collide.
Depending upon the type of crustal material at the boundary of
the colliding plates, volcanoes, mountains and ocean trenches
can form.
 A divergent boundary occurs when two plates move away from
one another creating rift valleys in continental material and
ridges in ocean basins.
 A transform boundary occurs as two plates move past each other
causing faulting and earthquake activity.
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
Mountain ranges, volcanoes, rift valleys and other land features can
be observed from space, and these images can be used to support
theories about tectonic plate activity
Resources:
Plate Theory (8.9A)
History of Plate Tectonics - Wegeners’ booklet
Closing the Distance 1 – Lesson 10 - Cards
Closing the Distance 1- Lesson 10 – Student Guide
Reading to Learn in Science – Locating Plate Boundaries on a Map- Revised
Plate Tectonic Time Line ppt.– Revised
Sea Floor Spreading Made Easy
Formation of Crustal Features (8.9B)
Using Easy to Draw Illustrations to Teach about Plate Tectonics
Graham Cracker Plate Tectonic Lab Activity:
Himalayas
Ocean Trench and Volcanic Arc
Ridge and Rift
Plates on the Move –Power Point
Leaving Crusts on The Plates- Kamico
Plate Tectonic Theory – Power Point
http://terra.rice.edu/plateboundary
The San Francisco Earthquake of 1989 – Video
Plate Tectonics Additional Supporting Resources
Word Wall Extras
Plate Tectonics Word Wall with Visuals Nov2012 New
Password Vocabulary Game – plate tectonics Nov2012 New
Plate Tectonics Word Wall Concept Web Nov2012 New
Plate Tectonics Vocabulary Sort1 New
Plate Tectonics Vocabulary Sort2 New
Plate Tectonics Word Wall
Instructional Focus Activities
Instructional Focus Activities Topographic maps and Satellite Views
Assessment:
Tectonic Plate Boundary Quiz
Plate Tectonic Unit Review Power Point
Plate Tectonics ppt Quiz Nov2012 New
Plate tectonics Review Nov2012 New
Plate Tectonics Jeopardy Nov2012 New