Plate Tectonics: Examining Evidence for Continental Drift (Developed by SEPUP)
kit #445S
Student groups use SEPUP/LAB-AIDS® specially designed and annoted puzzle pieces representing the earth's continents to investigate the idea of continental drift. In part I, an exploratory activity, students attempt to fit the puzzle pieces into one large continent using clues provided by the shape and the geologic evidence contained on each piece. In part II students read a selection of statements about continental drift and determining whether those statements are evidence or opinion and whether or not the evidence presented provides support for continental drift.
- Creating models is one way to understand and communicate scientific information
- The earth is over four billion years old and different events have occurred on earth during different periods of time
- Fossils provide important evidence about how life and environmental conditions on the earth have changed over geological time
- The continents are part of large lithospheric plates that have moved over geological time and continue to move at a rate of centimeters per year
- Tracing the history of science demonstrates how individuals contributed to the development of modern scientific ideas, and reveals important interactions between science and society
Content List in Plate Tectonics: Examining Evidence for Continental Drift (Developed by SEPUP) is as follows:
| Quantity | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Teacher’s Manual |
| 28 | Student Worksheet and Guides |
| 6 | World Puzzle pieces, set of 7, LAB-AIDS® |
| 6 | Earth’s Surface Through Geological Time Cards |
| 1 | Transparency 1: World Map |
| 2 | Transparency 2: Puzzle Key |
- Number of students
- 24
- Number of groups
- Maximum 6 groups per period
To complete the two activities in this kit requires two to three ~50-minute class periods.
