In this Project-Based Learning (PBL) unit, students will learn about plate tectonics and how the Earth’s plates move and interact. Students will also learn about the causes of earthquakes.
Duration
- Seven weeks
- 90-minute periods
Standards
- Understand the structure of the Earth and how the interactions of constructive and destructive forces have resulted in changes in the surface of the Earth over time and the effects of the lithosphere on humans.
- Sci: 6.E.2.2 I can explain how crustal plates and ocean basins are
formed, move and interact using earthquakes, heat flow and volcanoes to reflect forces within the earth.
Driving Question
As a class, students will generate their own Driving Question using the Nat Geo Question Formulation Technique.
Example: How can we create an earthquake-proof structure?
Entry Event
- Mosa Mack Mystery Activity
Students watch a short mystery and work through various steps to solve the mystery on Mosa Mack’s website.
- Earth Movers Lab: Plate Tectonics in Action
Public Product
Earthquake-Resistant Structure Model & Test
Resources and Materials
- Laptops
- Internet
- Graham crackers
- Whipped cream
- Food coloring
- Aluminum pans
- Jell-O
- PBS “Building Wonders” clip
Formative Assessment 1
Mosa Mack Plate Tectonics Quiz
- Pangaea
- Plate tectonics
- Key vocabulary
Formative Assessment 2
Plate Tectonics Interactive Slides Student Copy
Plate Tectonics Interactive Slides Teacher Copy
- Plate tectonics
- Plate boundaries
- Crustal plates/features
Summative Assessment 1
Seismic Smackdown Lab Report/Earthquake-Resistant Structure
- Understanding of the cause of earthquakes
- Plate movement
Summative Assessment 2
- Plate tectonics
- Plate boundaries
- Crustal plates/features
- Pangaea
Project Calendar
Day 1:
- Lesson 1: Animation (on computer)
- 45 minutes
- Begin Lesson 2: Lab (on paper)
Day 2:
Day 3:
Two rotations:
- Earth Movers: Plate Tectonics in Action (Student copy) Graham cracker Kesler engagement (plate tectonics)
- Plate Tectonics Slideshow w/ notes (Student copy)
- Plate Tectonics Slideshow (Teacher copy)
Day 4
Two rotations:
- Finishing plate tectonics slideshow (#2 link above)
- Mosa Mack: A Rumbling Earth: Earthquakes & Volcanoes Lesson 1
Day 5
*Add guest speaker here
- Review lab report/Seismic Smackdown Challenge slides
- Get into groups
- Watch PBS “Building Wonders” clip and take notes (slide 5)
- Research earthquake-resistant buildings and take notes
- Begin designing the structure in groups of 3-4 students
Day 6
- Quiz (make your own copy for use)
- Build an earthquake-resistant structure
Day 7
- Test earthquake-proof structures
- Complete lab report
Notes
- Invite a community partner in to speak to students.
- Be sure to provide enough time for a prototype, feedback from experts, and revision before final.
- Revise design requirements/challenge restrictions as needed.
- Use scrum or project tasks log to manage progress.
- Conduct a mid-stream check in for peer evaluation on group members’ engagement and progress.
