Science.7.10.A

Previous Next
The student is expected to describe the evidence that supports that Earth has changed over time, including fossil evidence, plate tectonics, and superposition; and
1666 TEKS header image

Knowledge and Skills Statement

Earth and space. The student understands the causes and effects of plate tectonics.

data that supports a hypothesis or an argument and is observable through the senses or technology

the generally accepted scientific theory that describes the process by which tectonic plates of Earth's lithosphere are slowly moving and interacting due to convection currents in the mantle; provides an explanation for the current and former positions of continental landmasses, earthquakes, and volcanoes

the geologic law that states that sedimentary layers are deposited in a time sequence, with the oldest on the bottom and the youngest on the top

Research

Smith, Michael J., and John B. Southard. “Exploring the Evolution of Plate Tectonics." Science Scope 25, no. 1 (2001): 46–49. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43179822

Summary: The history of the first explanations for plate tectonics is detailed in the article "Exploring the Evolution of Plate Tectonics, " laying the foundations for the current understanding of the movement of the lithosphere.  Students are given tasks to explore the ideas of fossil evidence and superposition.

Research

Blank, Lisa M.; Mike Plautz, Heather Almquist, Jeff Crews, and Jen Estrada.  “Using Google Earth to Teach Plate Tectonics and Science Explanations.” Science Scope 35, no. 9 (July 2012): 41–48. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43184740

Summary: This article highlights the use of modern technology to teach plate tectonics. The first part of the article explains how to use the technology and the second part of the article gives an example of how to teach the concept by using the strategy of claims evidence reasoning.