Lesson Information

Course/Class Name: Earth Science –Regents, Red class

Lesson Title: Continental Drift
Abstract/summary of lesson: Students will be
learning about the theory of plate tectonics, the history
behind Alfred Wegener, the father of Plate tectonics, and
the evidence to prove his theory.

Objective(s):
Concepts Skills
Students will know… Students will be able to…
The theory of plate Take puzzle pieces of
tectonics the continents and fit
The father of plate them together and
tectonics who he is create the landmass
and what happened Pangea.
to him.
What evidence
supports the theory
of plate tectonics.
Standards & Skills Addressed
What NYS and/or NSCS District Content Standards are
you planning to address in this lesson?
NY Core curriculum Earth Science
STANDARD 6—Interconnectedness: Common Themes
Students will understand the relationships and common themes that
connect mathematics, science, and technology
and apply the themes to these and other areas of learning.
Key Idea 1: Through systems thinking, people can recognize
the commonalities that exist among all systems and how parts of a
system interrelate and combine to perform specific functions.
Key Idea 2: Models are simplified representations of objects,
structures, or systems used in analysis, explanation, interpretation,
or design.
Key Idea 5: Identifying patterns of change is necessary for
making predictions about future behavior and conditions.
STANDARD 4-
2.1a Earth systems have internal and external sources of energy,
both of which create heat.
2.1b The transfer of heat energy within the atmosphere, the
hydrosphere, and Earths interior results in the formation of regions
of different densities. These density differences result in motion.
2.1j Properties of Earths internal structure (crust, mantle, inner core,
and outer core) can be inferred from the analysis of the behavior of
seismic waves (including velocity and refraction).
Analysis of seismic waves allows the determination of the location of
earthquake epicenters, and the measurement of earthquake
magnitude; this analysis leads to the inference that Earths interior is
composed of layers that differ in composition and states of matter.
2.1k The outward transfer of Earths internal heat drives convective
circulation in the mantle that moves the lithospheric plates
comprising Earths surface.
2.1l The lithosphere consists of separate plates that ride on the more
fluid asthenosphere and move slowly in relationship to one another,
creating convergent, divergent, and transform plate boundaries.
These motions indicate Earth is a dynamic geologic system.
These plate boundaries are the sites of most earthquakes, volcanoes,
and young mountain ranges.
Compared to continental crust, ocean crust is thinner and denser.
New ocean crust continues to form at mid-ocean ridges.
Earthquakes and volcanoes present geologic hazards to humans.
Loss of property, personal injury, and loss of life can be reduced by
effective emergency preparedness.
2.1m Many processes of the rock cycle are consequences of plate
dynamics. These include the production of magma (and subsequent
igneous rock formation and contact metamorphism) at both
subduction and rifting regions, regional metamorphism within
subduction zones, and the creation of major depositional basins
through down-warping of the crust.
2.1n Many of Earths surface features such as mid-ocean ridges/rifts,
trenches/subduction zones/island arcs, mountain ranges (folded,
faulted, and volcanic), hot spots, and the magnetic and age patterns
in surface bedrock are a consequence of forces associated with plate
motion and interaction.
2.1o Plate motions have resulted in global changes in geography,
climate, and the patterns of organic evolution.
STANDARD 7—Interdisciplinary Problem Solving

Students will apply the knowledge and thinking skills of

mathematics, science, and technology to address real-life problems
and make informed decisions.
Key Idea 2: Solving interdisciplinary problems involves a
variety of skills and strategies, including effective work habits;
gathering and processing information; generating and analyzing
 What prior knowledge and skills do students need to have
to be successful in this lesson?

They will need to have basic knowledge of Continental

drift from 8th grade science. (Pangea)

What modifications are needed to address the needs of

ALL learners?

I will be restating or re-wording questions and

procedures as students ask for help.
What will you do to relate the experiences of the students
to the objectives of the lesson (Anticipatory Set)?

I will be using a video clip from the movie Ice Age it can
be found on You tube at the following website
Teacher Strategies & Activities

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zocutif0cQY

Presentation of the lesson:

To introduce the topic I am planning on showing a short

video clip taken from You Tube which will address the
theory of continental drift in a fictious way.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zocutif0cQY

At the conclusion of the video clip I will be going over the

introduction of the theory of plate tectonics. We will be
completing page 37 in the student notebooks and a
foldable on Evidence to prove continental drift.

When the notes have been completed the students will be

working on the lab: Continental Drift

For the conclusion questions I will be again reminding the

students that the answers must be written in complete
sentences in that they have to restate the question in
their answer.
Application/Activities: (included above) laboratory
activity.
Materials needed: Lab, Reference tables, scissors, pencils
,notebooks, foldable materials, glue
Video clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zocutif0cQY

Aver media projection and internet connection.

 How will you determine whether the students have met
your objectives (Checking for Understanding)?

The grade on the lab and the unit test, midterm exam in
January, as well as the regents’ exam in June.
I will be checking each students labs as they are passing
Assessment them in for completion, complete sentences must be
written for all answers.

What will you do to get students to make sense out of

what has been taught (Closure)?

They will be given a quiz on the theory of plate tectonics

during class this week.
What assessment/evaluation will be used to measure
student learning in this lesson?

Unit exam, Midterm exam and June Regents' exam.