Plate Tectonics and the Geologic History of Maine, Science Graduation Standard #6-- Engaging in Scientific Argument from Evidence
Essential Questions:
~How does the theory of Plate Tectonics explain the locations of mountain ranges? Of seas and oceans? ~What happens to tectonic plates at subduction zones? What kinds of geological surface features exist near subduction zones? ~Why are oceans usually found at divergent boundaries? ~What kinds of plate boundaries tend to produce volcanoes and batholiths? ~How does the current landscape and geology of Maine inform us about the tectonic plate movements in Maine's past?
Class Notes and Activity Guides
Websites and Internet Resources
Video Links
Please log onto Socrative, classroom LANIKSOCRATIVE, and complete the Unit 5 pretest that awaits.
Once you open it, click on the live link. If the link does not work, then click here. Please use the website to answer the questions, which are all about Plate Tectonics. You can answer the questions digitally, or print them out and answer them by hand. Everyone needs to make their own notes-- both partners must answer the questions for themselves. American Museum of Natural History Plate Tectonics game
Recommended Resources for learning about the Theory of Plate Tectonics, types of Plate Boundaries, and how Plate Movements produce specific landforms and geological features.
Make a Geologic Map of Maine Once you have finished the Plate Tectonics notes, you will need to find 2 or 3 classmates to partner up with on the next class activity. For this assignment, you will be using some geology resources that have been provided by the Maine State Government. Those resources are all found on the "Bedrock Geology of Locations in Maine" webpage that can be found on the Unit 5 drop-down menu of the class website. Find those resources now.
For each link on the "Bedrock Geology Locations in Maine" page (there are 21 links total), you and your partners will need to complete the following:
a) identify WHERE the place that is explored in the link is located on a map of Maine, There are paper maps of Maine on the front desk, and each person in your group should have their own copy of the map to write on. Using a pen, place a small dot on the map to mark the approximate location of the site, and then write the link number next to the dot.
b) Identify what type(s) of bedrock (igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary) are found at the site, Note that it is very possible that two (or three) different rock types might be found at the location, so be sure to read through the ENTIRE document of information before answering this question. After answering this question, please use colored pencils to color code your map. If igneous rock is found at the site, then place a small red circle next to the dot. If there is metamorphic rock found at the site, place a small green circle next to the dot. If there is sedimentary rock found at the site, place a small blue dot next to the dot.
c) identify the NAMES of the most common rocks found in this place (granite, gabbro, schist, etc...)
d) Identify any important dates (such as "350 million years ago") or Geologic time periods (Devonian, Jurassic, etc...) that are discussed in the links.
e) Record any other unique or interesting information about this location.
Split up the numbered links with the other partners in your group (so that the work is evenly shared), and then conduct your research. Share the information that you find amongst the members of your group. Specifically, make sure that everyone in your group is able to color code their Maine maps for all 26 locations.
Activity 1: Scientific Argument Tutorial For this activity, please work in a small group (2-3). After downloading the "Scientific Argument Tutorial" document above, please grab a paper copy of the 7-page "Worksheets for the Scientific Argument Tutorial" packet from the front desk. Work through the tutorial, collaborating on answers when directed to respond to prompts on the tutorial. The video links on the tutorial do not work, so please follow the links below.
Video 1: Wegener and the Theory of Continental Drift As you watch this video, please produce written notes in response to the question: Why were earth scientists in Wegener's day so resistant to the idea of Continental Drift?
Video 2: Evidence supporting the Theory of Plate Tectonics. As you watch this second video, please produce written notes of the scientific evidence that has been used to support the idea of Continental Drift/Plate Tectonics. In particular, please record three different categories of notes:
Category 1: Evidence that was developed and used by Wegener to support his theory. Category 2: Evidence in support of Plate Tectonics that was developed by scientists after Wegener's death. Category 3: One piece of evidence in support of Plate Tectonics that was NOT mentioned in the video, but that you learned in our previous studies of the Earth.
Once you have completed these notes, save them for us to discuss in class tomorrow, and move ahead to Unit 6 on this class website. Begin the guided notes on water that are provided in Unit 6.