Introduction

Scope & Sequence

Course Outlines

Assessment

Resources

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Main Topics & Concepts

Plate movement over time
Types of plate boundaries

Standards

SFUSD Performance Standard 17.4 - "Understanding continental drift first as hypothesis and later as empirical law, and be able to describe other evidence that can be fit into the framework of the theory of plate tectonics.... Students should understand that convective processes affecting the crust produce convergent and divergent plate boundaries, and they should be able to locate these major plate boundaries."

Science Probe Text

PI 12.3 252-259
PII 13.3 293-294
Science Probe I, Chapter 12, section 12.3 covers both the theory of plate tectonics and the evidence for its validity. Science Probe II, Chapter 13, section 13.3 contains a profile of Robert Dietz, one of the scientists involved in the formulation of plate tectonic theory.

Activity	Access	Description
Science Probe I: Activity 12F Plate Tectonics		Students use a map (Fig. 12.21, p. 257) to relate plate tectonic theory to the geology of the Pacific Northwest.

Activities & Lessons

Activity	Access	Description
Teaching About Plate Tectonics and Faulting using foam models Larry Braile		A teachers guide designed to demonstrate plate tectonic principles, plate boundary interactions, and the geometry and relative motions of faulting. In addition to the Web page, a pdf file is available. Similar to Probe I 11B, students can model divergent and convergent boundaries (collision, subduction, and sliding). This allows them to visualize the boundaries and to make predictions about what geologic events will occur at these boundaries.
Plate Tectonics and Continental Drift Virtual School		A reading with diagrams about plate tectonics and continental drift with a historical perspective. Includes rules for plate tectonics. Contains follow-up and links to recommended web sites.
Mountain Maker, Earth Shaker PBS		An on-line activity that allows you to manipulate the tectonic plates from PBS as part of the "You Try It" component of A Science Odyssey. Requires a Shockwave plugin for some components. Contains some background on plate tectonics and uses animations to show plate movement.

Resources

Resources	Access	Description
This Dynamic Earth USGS		An online publication of the USGS. An introduction to the story of plate tectonics. An excellent resource for teachers and students. Also available in paper form from the USGS for $6.00.
Paleo Map Project Christopher Scotese		View maps of the world during different time periods. Also included are lists of videos, slides, and flip-books for purchase.