Lesson 1: Moving Continents
Duration of Days: 6.5
Lesson Objective
Students will explore how the continents have moved over time on Earth's surface. They will analyze and interpret data and identify patterns of the distributions of fossils and rocks, continental shapes, landmasses, glacial features and climate to provide evidence of past plate motions.
What evidence supports the continental drift hypothesis?
Drift
Continental Shelf
Fossil
Mantle
Separate
Skeptical
MS-ESS2-2
MSESS2-3
ELA: RST.6-8.1, RST.6-8.7, RST.6-8.9
Engage- DOK1
Explore/Explain- DOK2
Elaborate- DOK3
Evaluate- DOK1 & DOK4
STEM Module Project- DOK4
Phenomenon: Continents matching coastlines?
STEM Module Project: Rockin' Around the Park
The continents have always been located in the position that they are today.
Project Based Assignments
Offer Student Choice
Higher Level DOK Questioning
Utilize AI Tools
Real World Applications
Formative and Summative Assessments:
Lesson Review
Lesson Check
Claim Evidence Reasoning
McGraw Hill online textbook/workbook
Labs and Investigations:
- Investigation: A surprising Fit
- Investigation: The Continental Drift Hypothesis
- Lab: Reconstructing Pangaea
- Lab: Reconstructing Gondwana