Lesson 2: Plate Tectonics & the Ocean Floor (1)

Lesson 2: Plate Tectonics and the Ocean Floor Structures (1)
In this lesson, students will investigate the relationship between tectonic plates and volcanoes.

Esential Questions

  • How does the theory of plate tectonics explain the changing landscape of Earth over time?

  • How does plate tectonics change the formation of the Ocean floor?

Scientific Phenomena

Show the Ring of Fire Earthquake Animation

And the Pacific, Juan de Fuca, and Gorda Plate Illustration

Ask: What do you notice? What do you wonder?

Estimated time to Complete

Five (50 minute) Class Periods

Next Generation Science Standards

MS-ESS2-3 Analyze and interpret data on the distribution of fossils and rocks, continental shapes, and seafloor structures to provide evidence of the past plate motions. MS-ESS2-3 Earth’s Systems | Next Generation Science Standards

resources

RIng of Fire Earthquake Animation
Tectonic Plates In the Eastern Pacific
Interactive Juan de Fuca -Cascadia Map
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