Science - Earth Science
Lesson Plans

Standard 2

Students will understand Earth's internal structure and the dynamic nature of the tectonic plates that form its surface.

Objective 3

Demonstrate how the motion of tectonic plates affects Earth and living things.

• Jigsaw Reading and Lesson Design Activity
  In small groups, students will use textbooks, reference books, and/or the Internet to research and then teach a topic related to plate tectonics
• Liquefaction Lab
  Students will design a lab to discover how and why liquefaction would occur and relate to how that would affect the biosphere.
• Locations of Earthquakes and Volcanoes
  Students will map the location of various earthquakes and volcanoes. They will then relate the location of this phenomenon with the location of plate boundaries.
• Mountain Barriers
  Students will understand how abiotic factors can influence biotic factors and how the lithosphere interacts with the atmosphere.
• Natural Disaster Essays
  Students will research an historic natural disaster. Research will include information on the disasters’ impacts to weather, climate, waterways and surrounding ecosystems. The research will be compiled into a concise essay.
• Plate Tectonics Convection Lab
  Students will model and observe the process of convection as it moves Earths crust.
• Tectonic Project
  Students will create a unique project to demonstrate their understanding of plate tectonics.
• Where Are the Plates?
  Students will use the trenches, ridges and rises to determine the plate boundaries on Earth.

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http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Richard Scott and see the Science - Secondary website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - DIANA SUDDRETH .

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.