Assessment Portfolio:

Earth Science
Unit of Study - Plate Tectonics

Jennifer Howell
EDTP 645
University of Maryland University College
October 24, 2015

Table of Contents
MARYLAND STATE LEARNING OBJECTIVES.................................................3
NEXT GENERATION SCIENCE STANDARDS FOR EARTHS SYSTEMS..........................................3
OBJECTIVES................................................................................................................ 3
FIFTEEN ITEM MULTIPLE CHOICE TEST......................................................4
TEN ITEM MULTIPLE CHOICE TEST............................................................7
TEN ITEM TRUE-FALSE TEST....................................................................9
THREE ESSAY QUESTIONS......................................................................10
ESSAY QUESTION RUBRICS.......................................................................................... 11
FIVE SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS..........................................................13
SHORT ANSWER QUESTION RUBRIC............................................................................... 14
COOPERATIVE LEARNING ASSIGNMENT..................................................17
RUBRIC FOR COOPERATIVE LEARNING ASSIGNMENT..........................................................18
FIFTEEN ITEM MATCHING QUESTION......................................................20
BIBLIOGRAPHY.....................................................................................21

Maryland State Learning Objectives

Next Generation Science Standards for Earths Systems
Students who demonstrate understanding can:
HS-ESS21.

Develop a model to illustrate how Earths internal and surface

processes operate at different spatial and temporal scales to
form continental and ocean-floor features.

HS-ESS23.

Develop a model based on evidence of Earths interior to

describe the cycling of matter by thermal convection.

Objectives
As a result of the lessons, students will be able to:

Answer a fifteen item multiple choice test about the Earths internal
and surface processes.
Answer a ten item multiple choice test about the Earths layers.
Answer a ten item true-false test about the oceanic crust.
Use critical thinking to answer three essay questions about the Earths
internal and surface processes.
Answer five short answer questions about the Earths layers.
Work with a group to create an online presentation about a specific
area where a divergent, convergent, or transform fault boundary has
occurred.
Use their knowledge of vocabulary terms to answer fifteen matching
questions about plate tectonic vocabulary.

Fifteen Item Multiple Choice Test

Choose the correct answer.
For Questions 1 and 2 use the diagram to the right
1. What type of plate boundary is
most likely to occur in A.
a. Transform fault boundary
b. Divergent boundary
c. Convergent boundary
d. Both A & B
e. None of the above
2. What type of plate boundary is
most likely to occur in B.
a. Transform fault boundary
b. Divergent boundary
c. Convergent boundary
d. Both A & B
e. None of the above
3. What type of plate boundary is
most likely to occur in C.
a. Transform fault boundary
b. Divergent boundary
c. Convergent boundary
d. Both A & B
e. None of the above

Figure 1 (Freie Universitat Berlin)

4. Which type of plate boundary allows for the idea of sea-floor

spreading?
a. Transform fault boundary
b. Divergent boundary
c. Convergent boundary
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
5. The locations of the continents are explained by what theory?
a. Sea-floor spreading
b. Continental drift
c. Convection
d. Plate Tectonics
e. None of the above

6. All of
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

the following are TRUE of P-waves EXCEPT:

They travel like sound waves
They can pass through liquids
They aided in the discovery of the Inner Core
They are slower than S waves
All are true

7. Why do volcanoes form?

a. The divergence of tectonic plates
b. The convergence of tectonic plates
c. Plumes in the lithosphere
d. Subduction of lithosphere
e. All of the above
8. What is the relationships between a trench and a subduction zone?
a. Trenches are located where two oceanic plates converge forming
a subduction zone.
b. Trenches are located where two oceanic plates diverge forming a
subduction zone.
c. Subduction zone is another name for a trench.
d. Subduction zones are caused by trenches.
e. None of the above.
9. What is the relationship between a fault and an earthquake.
a. The fault is the location where energy is released in the form of
seismic vibrations, or an earthquake
b. The fault is what causes an earthquake to occur
c. The vibrations of an earthquake cause a fault to be created.
d. Faults and earthquakes have no relationship.
e. None of the above.
10.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Which of the following statements about island arcs is correct?

They form far from any plate boundaries.
They form at convergent boundaries.
They form where two oceanic plates meet.
Both A & B
None of the above

11.
What force is responsible for the movement along a fault in
which the block that is located above a fault moves down relative to
the block that is located below the fault?
a. Shearing
b. Compression
c. Tension
d. Gravity

e. Both A & C
12.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

What proof can be seen on the seafloor for sea-floor spreading?

Distinct layers of different minerals.
A symmetrically striped pattern created by iron atoms.
A symmetrically striped pattern created by different minerals.
A widening trench on the seafloor.
Large cracks on the ocean floor.

13.
The Arabian tectonic plate is moving away from the African
tectonic plate. This is an example of what?
a. Evidence that new plates can be created.
b. The creation of a rift valley.
c. Continental plate divergence.
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
14.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Where are some of the younger rocks on Earth found?

Ocean basins and trenches
Mountain ranges
Volcanoes
Both A & C
This information cannot be determined.

15.
What force is responsible for the movement of the block above
the fault moving upward relative to the block that is located below the
fault?
a. Shearing
b. Compression
c. Tension
d. Gravity
e. Both A & C

Resources: (Tectonic Plate Motion, 2015) (Freie Universitat Berlin) (What

are the 4 basic classes of faults?, 2015)

Ten Item Multiple Choice Test

Choose the correct answer.
For questions 1-4 use the diagram below.
A
B
C
D

Figure 1
(Geography: Tectonic Plates, 2014)
1. Letter A corresponds with:
a. Inner Core
b. Outer Core
c. Crust
d. Tectonic Plates
e. Mantle
2. Which letter corresponds with the Outer Core?
a. Tectonic Plates
b. Outer Core
c. Mantle
d. Inner Core
e. Crust
3. Which letter corresponds with the Mantle?
a. Mantle
b. Inner Core
c. Crust
d. Outer Core
e. Tectonic Plates
4. Which letter corresponds with the Crust?
a. Crust
b. Outer Core
c. Inner Core

d. Tectonic Plates
e. Mantle
5. A sample of the interior of the Earth was taken that was comprised of
mostly Iron. Which layer of the Earth did it come from?
a. Mantle
b. Crust
c. Tectonic plates
d. Inner Core
e. Outer Core
6. In which layer does convection take place?
a. Crust
b. Inner Core
c. Tectonic Plates
d. Outer Core
e. Mantle
7. Which layer is comprised of iron and nickel?
a. Inner Core
b. Outer Core
c. Crust
d. Mantle
e. Tectonic Plates
8. What
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

temperatures are most likely found in the Outer Core?

00C
8700C
20000C
37000C
50000C

9. What
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

temperature is associated with the Crust?

00C
8700C
20000C
37000C
50000C

10.

Where is the Asthenosphere located?

Crust
Upper Mantle
Lower Mantle
Outer Core
All of the above

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Ten Item True-False Test

Determine whether the statement is true or false. Circle the correct answer.
1.

Ocean basins are formed from volcanic rock.

True

Fals
e

2.

The mid-oceanic ridge constitutes about 23% of the

Earths surface.

True

Fals
e

3.

The continental shelf borders the continents.

True

Fals
e

4.

The ocean floor is a very thick layer of basaltic rock.

True

Fals
e

5.

Submarine canyons are created for submarine use.

True

Fals
e

6.

The ocean floor accounts for less than 20% of the Earths
surface.

True

Fals
e

7.

The continental rise is found at the base of the

continental slope.

True

Fals
e

8.

There are numerous volcanoes on the floor of the ocean

basins.

True

Fals
e

9.

Submarine canyons are mostly associated with oceans.

True

Fals
e

True

Fals
e

10 Ocean trenches are the deepest parts of the ocean.

.

Resources: (CHAPTER 10: Introduction to the Lithosphere, 2009)

Three Essay Questions

Answer the following questions using one to two paragraphs.
1. If the center of the earth was to begin to cool explain how the following
would be affected:
a. Plate movement
b. Sea-floor spreading

2. Explain the scenario of a city that sits on a convergent boundary at a

subduction zone.

3. The Hawaiian Islands are not on a plate boundary, but instead near the
center of the Pacific Plate. If they did not form when two plate came
together then how did they form?

Essay Question Rubrics

Question 1:
Criteria
Content/ Key
Information

Accuracy
Organization

Question 2:
Criteria
Content/ Key
Information

Accuracy
Organization

4
Answer
includes plate
movement,
sea-floor
spreading,
convection,
and divergent
boundary
Answer is
accurate and
unambiguous
Information is
clearly stated
and easy to
follow

3
Answer is
missing one
key point
needed

2
Answer is
missing two
or fewer key
points
needed.

1
Answer is
missing
three or
fewer key
points
needed.

Answer is
accurate

Answer is
mostly
accurate
Information
is not easy
to follow

Answer is
not accurate

4
Answer
includes the
city would still
exits because
in a
subduction
zone the
oceanic plate
always goes
beneath the
continental
plate because
it is more
dense.
Answer is
accurate and
unambiguous
Information is
clearly stated
and easy to
follow

3
Answer is
missing one
key point
needed

2
Answer is
missing two
or fewer key
points
needed.

1
Answer is
missing
three or
fewer key
points
needed.

Answer is
accurate

Answer is
mostly
accurate
Information
is not easy
to follow

Answer is
not accurate

Information
is clearly
stated but
not as easy
to follow

Information
is clearly
stated but
not as easy

Information
is not clear
or organized
in a way it
diverts from
the answer

Information
is not clear
or organized
in a way it

to follow
Question 3:
Criteria
Content/ Key
Information

Accuracy
Organization

4
Answer
includes that
as the Pacific
Plate moves
over a
stationary hot
spot it has left
many
volcanoes on
the ocean
floor including
the Hawaiian
Islands.
Answer is
accurate and
unambiguous
Information is
clearly stated
and easy to
follow

diverts from
the answer

3
Answer is
missing one
key point
needed

2
Answer is
missing two
or fewer key
points
needed.

1
Answer is
missing
three or
fewer key
points
needed.

Answer is
accurate

Answer is
mostly
accurate
Information
is not easy
to follow

Answer is
not accurate

Information
is clearly
stated but
not as easy
to follow

Information
is not clear
or organized
in a way it
diverts from
the answer

Five Short Answer Questions

Answer the following questions using complete sentences.
1. Describe the process of convection currents and what it means for
tectonic plates.

2. Describe the Earths crust including its composition, state, thickness,

and temperature.

3. Describe the Earths Outer Core including its composition, state,

thickness, and temperature.

4. Describe how we have gained an understanding about the inner core.

5. Describe how we have gained our understanding of the Earths mantle.

Short Answer Question Rubric

For all questions a 0 will be received for any questions with no answer.
Question 1:
Criteria
Content/
Key
Informatio
n

Accuracy
Organizati
on

Question 2:
Criteria
Content/
Key
Informatio
n

4
Answer
includes all
key points
including that
warm mantle
rises and cool
mantle moves
in to replace
it, the mantle
moves in a
circular
motion. And
this motion
allows for
plates to
move
Answer is
accurate and
unambiguous
Information is
clearly stated
and easy to
follow

4
Answer
includes all
key points
mentioned in
the question
including:
Compositio
n
State

3
Answer
mentions that
convection
currents allow
for plates to
move
because of
the circular
rotation of
the mantle,
but does not
include that
warm mantle
rises while
cool mantle
moves in to
replace it.
Answer is
accurate
Information is
clearly stated
but not as
easy to follow

3
Answer is
missing one
key point
mentioned in
the question

2
Answer only
mentions the
movement of
the mantle
but not the
movement of
the plates, or
vice versa.

1
Answer is
missing most
of the key
points.

Answer is
mostly
accurate
Information is
not easy to
follow

Answer is not
accurate

2
Answer is
missing two
or fewer key
points
mentioned in
the question

1
Answer is
missing three
or fewer key
points
mentioned in
the question

Information is
not clear or
organized in a
way it diverts
from the
answer

Accuracy
Organizati
on

Question 3:
Criteria
Content/
Key
Informatio
n

Accuracy
Organizati
on

Question 4:
Criteria
Content/
Key
Informatio
n

Thickness
Temperatu
re.

Answer is
accurate and
unambiguous
Information is
clearly stated
and easy to
follow

Answer is
accurate

Answer is
mostly
accurate
Information is
not easy to
follow

Answer is not
accurate

4
Answer
includes all
key points
mentioned in
the question
including:
Compositio
n
State
Thickness
Temperatu
re
Answer is
accurate and
unambiguous
Information is
clearly stated
and easy to
follow

3
Answer is
missing one
key point
mentioned in
the question

2
Answer is
missing two
or fewer key
points
mentioned in
the question

1
Answer is
missing three
or fewer key
points
mentioned in
the question

Answer is
accurate

Answer is
mostly
accurate
Information is
not easy to
follow

Answer is not
accurate

4
Answer
includes that
scientists
have studied
the paths and

3
Answer is
missing one
key point
needed.

2
Answer is
missing two
or fewer key
points
needed.

1
Answer is
missing three
or fewer key
points
needed.

Information is
clearly stated
but not as
easy to follow

Information is
clearly stated
but not as
easy to follow

Information is
not clear or
organized in a
way it diverts
from the
answer

Information is
not clear or
organized in a
way it diverts
from the
answer

Accuracy
Organizati
on

Question 5:
Criteria
Content/ Key
Information

Accuracy
Organization

characteristic
s of
earthquake
waves,
specifically Pwaves, and
that they
noticed the
wavelength of
the P-waves
changed on
the other side
of the Earth
showing it
had gone
though
something
different.
Answer is
accurate and
unambiguous
Information is
clearly stated
and easy to
follow

Answer is
accurate
Information is
clearly stated
but not as
easy to follow

4
Answer
includes that
scientists
have
observed
plate
movement,
convection
currents, and
volcanoes.
Answer is
accurate and
unambiguous
Information is
clearly stated

Answer is
mostly
accurate
Information is
not easy to
follow

Answer is not
accurate
Information is
not clear or
organized in a
way it diverts
from the
answer

3
Answer is
missing one
key point
needed

2
Answer is
missing two
or fewer key
points
needed.

1
Answer is
missing
three or
fewer key
points
needed.

Answer is
accurate

Answer is
mostly
accurate
Information
is not easy

Answer is
not accurate

Information
is clearly

Information
is not clear

and easy to
follow

stated but
not as easy
to follow

to follow

or organized
in a way it
diverts from
the answer

Cooperative Learning Assignment

Objective: Students will complete research as a group (2 or 3 students) in
order to create an online presentation (using one of the presentation tools
located on the school website) about plate tectonics.
Each group will decide on a location to study. This location has to have been
created by a divergent plate boundary, convergent boundary, or a transform
fault boundary (Example: The Rocky Mountains). The group will then conduct
research on this location to create an online presentation to share with the
class.
Things for a group to consider:

Who will be responsible for what information

Who will be responsible for certain parts of the presentation
Create deadlines for your group

Information that needs to be included in your presentation:

Name of the location

Name of the group members
Plates that are included in the location
Whether it is a divergent plate boundary, convergent boundary, or a
transform fault boundary
What do scientists have to say about the location
When was the last big move of the location and what were the results.

Rubric for Cooperative Learning Assignment

Criteria
Presentation
includes all
required
components.

4
The
presentation
demonstrates
a
comprehensiv
e
understanding
of the specific
boundary for
the location
selected.
Presentation
also includes
the name of
the location,
the names of
the group
members, the
plates that
are included
in the
location,
whether it is a
divergent
plate
boundary,
convergent
boundary, or
a transform
fault
boundary and
what
scientists
have to say
about the
location
including
when the last
big move of
the location
was and what
it is doing
now.

3
The
presentation
demonstrate
s a general
understandi
ng of the
specific
boundary for
the location
selected.
Presentation
may also be
missing
some of the
things listed
as needed
to be
included in
the
presentation
.

2
The
presentation
provides a
general
understandi
ng of the
specific
boundary for
the location
selected.
Presentation
may also be
missing
some of the
things listed
as needed
to be
included in
the
presentation
.

1
The
presentation
does not
show any
understandi
ng of the
specific
boundary for
the location
selected and
is missing
many of the
required
points
needed to
be included
in the
presentation
.

Technology

Organization

Grammar/
Spelling/
Punctuation

Technology
was used
correctly by
all members
of the group
and
demonstrated
understanding
of plate
tectonics. The
presentation
was easily
accessed by
the teacher
and class.
Information is
clearly stated
and easy to
follow

Technology
was used
correctly by
all members
of the group
and
demonstrate
d a general
understandi
ng of plate
tectonics.

Technology
was used to
create the
presentation
, but was
not easily
accessed by
the teacher
and the
class.

Technology
was not
used or it
was not able
to be
accessed by
teacher and
the class.

Information
is clearly
stated but
not as easy
to follow

Information
is not easy
to follow

Presentation
was written
using
transitions
from one
point of
information to
the next,
ideas were
fully
developed,
and the
presentation
contain
virtually no
errors in
spelling,
grammar, and
punctuation.

Presentation
was mostly
written
using
transitions
from one
point of
information
to the next,
ideas were
mainly fully
developed,
and the
presentation
contain a
few errors in
spelling,
grammar,
and
punctuation.

Presentation
was partially
written
using
transitions
from one
point of
information
to the next,
ideas were
almost fully
developed,
and the
presentation
contain
many errors
in spelling,
grammar,
and
punctuation.

Information
is not clear
or organized
in a way it
diverts from
the answer
Presentation
was not
written
using
transitions
from one
point of
information
to the next,
ideas were
not fully
developed,
and the
presentation
contain
multiple
errors in
spelling,
grammar,
and
punctuation.

Fifteen Item Matching Question

Match the correct term with the correct definition.
____

1.

Divergent boundaries

____

2.

Convection

____

3.

Lithosphere

____

4.

Fault

____

5.

Sea-floor spreading

____

6.

Continental Drift

____

7.

Convergent boundaries

____

8.

Magma

____

9.

Vent

____

10.

Asthenosphere

____

11.

Oceanic Crust

____

12.

Subduction zone

____

13.

Transform fault boundaries

____

14.

Continental Crust

____

15.

Lava

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
m.
n.
o.

Area where plates move horizontally past one another

The region below the lithosphere that is weak and behaves like a
thick fluid
The thinner area of the Earths crust.
Area where plates separate and move in opposite directions.
Allows for upwelling magma to form new lithosphere.
A circular motion in which warm air or liquid rises and cool air or
liquid moves in the replace it
The process of magma rising and cooling to create new crust at a
divergent boundary
Layer in which the tectonic plates are located.
Molten rock that is expelled from a volcano.
Area where plates move toward one another.
The thicker area of the Earths crust
An opening in the Earths surface in which magma can be released.
An area where compression or tension forces have cause a
displacement in the rocks
Area where there is a collision between two plates, where one will
sink underneath the other.
The theory that states that the continents can drift apart, and have
already done so.
The mixture of molten rock beneath the Earths surface

Bibliography
CHAPTER 10: Introduction to the Lithosphere. (2009, May 7). Retrieved
October 22, 2015, from physicalgeography.net:
http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/10p.html
Freie Universitat Berlin. (n.d.). Plate Boundaries. Retrieved October 22, 2015,
from Department of Earth Sciences: http://www.geo.fuberlin.de/en/v/geolearning/mountain_building/plate_tectonics/index.ht
ml
Geography: Tectonic Plates. (2014). Retrieved October 22, 2015, from BBC:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/natural_hazards/t
ectonic_plates_rev1.shtml
Tectonic Plate Motion. (2015). Retrieved October 22, 2015, from Pass My
Exams: http://www.passmyexams.co.uk/GCSE/physics/divergentboundaries.html
What are the 4 basic classes of faults? (2015). Retrieved October 22, 2015,
from Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology:
http://www.iris.edu/hq/programs/education_and_outreach/animations/2