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 Author: Jill Childers & Tim Tennant
 Based on unit by: TIM TENNANT
 Date Created: 6/22/2006 3:47:00 PM EDT
 
Our Dynamic Earth
VITAL INFORMATION
Subject(s):
Mathematics, Science

Grade/Level:
7-8

Time Required:
Two 50 minute class periods

Objective(s):
  • The student will identify the principle forces of plate tectonics and relate them to geological events.
  • Students will change values in a VRML program to observe the effects of Sea-Floor Spreading.
  • Students will convert within the metric system.



Summary:

In this class you will become familiar with the dynamics of plate tectonics. We will identify the type of boundaries and use computer graphics along with hands-on activities to observe the phenomenon that occurs at these locations.  Students will also determine the rate of plate movement  during their life time.



IMPLEMENTATION
Learning Activities:
1. Plate Tectonics
 
 
2. Math in Plate Tectonics
 


Resources and Unit Handouts:
Attachments:
 1. Location of Earthquakes and Volcanoes
World Map
 2. Tectonic Activity
longitude & Latitude

STANDARDS
Standards compiled from learning activities:
WV- West Virginia Content Standards and Objectives
• Subject Math
• Grade or Course Seventh Grade
• Standard Standard 4: Measurement (MA.S.4)
Students will:
 Detail demonstrate understanding of measurable attributes of objects and the units, systems, and processes of measurement; and
 Objective MA.7.4.4 convert units of measurement within and between customary and metric systems.
• Standard Standard 5: Data Analysis and Probability
Students will:
 Objective MA.7.5.3 collect, organize, graphically represent, and interpret data displays including: frequency distributions, line-plots, scatter plots, box and whiskers, and multiple-line graphs.
• Grade or Course Eighth Grade
• Standard Standard 3: Geometry (MA.S.3)
Students will:
 Objective MA.8.3.5 use coordinate geometry to represent and examine properties of similar and congruent figures and graph transformations.
• Standard Standard 5: Data Analysis and Probability (MA.S.5)
Students will:
 Objective MA.8.5.5 draw inferences and construct convincing arguments, including misuses of statistical or numeric information, based on data analysis.
 Detail formulate questions that can be addressed with data and collect, organize, and display relevant data to answer them;
 Detail select and use appropriate statistical methods to analyze data; develop and evaluate inferences and predictions that are based on models; and
• Subject Science
• Grade or Course Sixth Grade
• Standard Standard 2: Science as Inquiry (SC.S.2)
Students will:
 Objective SC.6.2.1 cooperate and collaborate to ask questions, find answers, solve problems, conduct investigations to further an appreciation of scientific discovery.
 Objective SC.6.2.2 formulate conclusions through close observations, logical reasoning, objectivity, perseverance and integrity in data collection.
 Objective SC.6.2.8 use inferential reasoning to make logical conclusions from collected data.
 Objective SC.6.2.9 use appropriate technology solutions to gather data; graph data; interpret data; and analyze information.
• Grade or Course Seventh Grade
• Standard Standard 1: History and the Nature of Science (SC.S.1)
Students will:
 Objective SC.7.1.1 realize that scientists formulate and test their explanations of nature using observation, experiments and theoretical models.
 Objective SC.7.1.2 recognize and appreciate that scientific knowledge is subject to modification as new scientific information challenges current theories.
 Objective SC.7.1.3 examine the careers and contributions of men and women of diverse cultures to the development of science.
 Objective SC.7.1.4 articulate the historical significance of scientific discoveries as influenced by technological demands, competition, controversy, world events, personalities and societal issues.
• Standard Standard 2: Science as Inquiry (SC.S.2)
Students will:
 Objective SC.7.2.1 cooperate and collaborate to ask questions, find answers, solve problems, conduct investigations to further an appreciation of scientific discovery.
 Objective SC.7.2.3 examine the role of skepticism, careful methods, logical reasoning and creativity in investigating the observable universe.
 Objective SC.7.2.4 use a variety of materials and scientific instruments to conduct explorations, investigations and experiments of the natural world (e.g., barometer, anemometer, microscope, computer).
 Objective SC.7.2.5 demonstrate safe techniques for handling, manipulating and caring for science materials, equipment, natural specimens and living organisms.
 Objective SC.7.2.6 utilize experimentation to demonstrate scientific processes and thinking skills (e.g., formulating questions, predicting, forming hypotheses, quantifying, identifying dependent and independent variables).
 Objective SC.7.2.8 use appropriate technology solutions to gather data; graph data; interpret data; and analyze information.
 Objective SC.7.2.2 formulate conclusions through close observations, logical reasoning, objectivity, perseverance and integrity in data collection.
• Standard Standard 3: Unifying Themes (SC.S.3)
Students will:
 Objective SC.7.3.1 compare and contrast the relationship between the parts of a system to the whole system (e.g., take apart or build mechanical, electrical or biological systems).
 Objective SC.7.3.2 construct a variety of useful models of an object, event or process.
 Objective SC.7.3.3 compare and contrast changes that occur in an object or a system to its original state.
• Standard Standard 6: Science in Personal and Social Perspectives (SC.S.6)
Students will:
 Objective SC.7.6.1 use scientific reasoning and the knowledge of science and technology to make informed personal decisions at the local and global levels.
 Objective SC.7.6.3 critically analyze the effects and impacts of science and technology on global and local problems (e.g., mining, manufacturing, recycling, farming, water quality).
 Objective SC.7.6.4 explore the connections between science, technology, society and career opportunities.
• Grade or Course Eighth Grade
• Standard Standard 1: History and the Nature of Science (SC.S.1)
Students will:
 Objective SC.8.1.1 realize that scientists formulate and test their explanations of nature using observation, experiments and theoretical models.
 Objective SC.8.1.2 recognize and appreciate that scientific knowledge is subject to modification as new scientific information challenges current theories.
 Objective SC.8.1.3 examine the careers and contributions of men and women of diverse cultures to the development of science.
 Objective SC.8.1.4 articulate the historical significance of scientific discoveries as influenced by technological demands, competition, controversy, world events, personalities and societal issues.
• Standard Standard 2: Science as Inquiry (SC.S.2)
Students will:
 Objective SC.8.2.1 cooperate and collaborate to ask questions, find answers, solve problems, conduct investigations to further an appreciation of scientific discovery.
 Objective SC.8.2.2 formulate conclusions through close observations, logical reasoning, objectivity, perseverance and integrity in data collection.
 Objective SC.8.2.4 use a variety of materials and scientific instruments to conduct explorations, investigations and experiments of the natural world (e.g., barometer, anemometer, microscope, computer).
 Objective SC.8.2.5 demonstrate safe techniques for handling, manipulating and caring for science materials, equipment, natural specimens and living organisms.
 Objective SC.8.2.6 utilize experimentation to demonstrate scientific processes and thinking skills (e.g., formulating questions, predicting, forming hypotheses, quantifying, identifying dependent and independent variables).
 Objective SC.8.2.8 use appropriate technology solutions to gather, graph and interpret data and analyze information.
 Objective SC.8.2.9 use inferential reasoning to make logical conclusions from collected data.
• Standard Standard 3: Unifying Themes (SC.S.3)
Students will:
 Objective SC.8.3.1 compare and contrast the relationship between the parts of a system to the whole system (e.g., take apart or build mechanical, electrical, or biological systems).
 Objective SC.8.3.2 construct a variety of useful models of an object, event, or process.
 Objective SC.8.3.3 compare and contrast changes that occur in an object or a system to its original state.
• Standard Standard 4: Science Subject Matter/Concepts (SC.S.4)
Students will:
 Objective SC.8.4.26 identify the principle forces of plate tectonics and related geological events.
• Standard Standard 5: Scientific Design and Application (SC.S.5)
Students will:
 Objective SC.8.5.2 compare scientific inquiry and technological design processes.
 Objective SC.8.5.3 explain why no technological design is perfect (e.g., constraints lead to tradeoffs).
• Standard Standard 6: Science in Personal and Social Perspectives (SC.S.6)
Students will:
 Objective SC.8.6.1 use scientific reasoning and the knowledge of science and technology to make informed personal decisions at the local and global levels.
 Objective SC.8.6.3 critically analyze the effects and impacts of science and technology on global and local problems (e.g., mining, manufacturing, recycling, farming, water quality).
• Subject Technology
• Grade or Course Sixth Grade
• Standard Standard 1: Basic Operations and Concepts (TEC.S.1)
Students will:
 Detail demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems; and
 Detail demonstrate proficiency in the use of technology.
• Standard Standard 6: Technology Problem-solving and Decision-making Tools (TEC.S.6)
Students will:
 Objective TEC.6.6.1 use technology resources for problem solving, self-directed learning, and extended learning activities.
• Grade or Course Seventh Grade
• Standard Standard 1: Basic Operations and Concepts (TEC.S.1)
Students will:
 Objective TEC.7.1.1 use touch typing skills to improve speed and accuracy.
 Objective TEC.7.1.3 continue to manage and maintain technology tools (e.g., properly shut down system(s), load printer paper).
• Standard Standard 6: Technology Problem-solving and Decision-making Tools (TEC.S.6)
Students will
 Objective TEC.7.6.1 use appropriate computer-based productivity tools to create and modify solutions to problems.

USA- ISTE: National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) for All Teachers
copyright © 2000, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education), 800.336.5191 (U.S. & Canada) or 541.302.3777 (Int’l), iste@iste.org, www.iste.org. All rights reserved. For more information about the NETS Project, contact Lajeane Thomas, Director, NETS Project, 318.257.3923, lthomas@latech.edu. Reprint permission does not constitute an endorsement by ISTE or the NETS Project.
• Standard ITechnology Operations and Concepts
Teachers demonstrate a sound understanding of technology operations and concepts.
 Performance Indicator Ademonstrate introductory knowledge, skills, and understanding of concepts related to technology (as described in the ISTE National Education Technology Standards for Students).
 Performance Indicator BDemonstrate continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies.
• Standard IIPlanning And Designing Learning Environments and Experiences.
Teachers plan and design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology
 Performance Indicator ADesign developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that apply technology-enhanced instructional strategies to support the diverse needs of learners.
 Performance Indicator DPlan for the management of technology resources within the context of learning activities.
 Performance Indicator EPlan strategies to manage student learning in a technology-enhanced environment.
• Standard IIITeaching, Learning, and the Curriculum.
Teachers implement curriculum plans, that include methods and strategies for applying technology to maximize student learning.
 Performance Indicator AFacilitate technology-enhanced experiences that address content standards and student technology standards.
 Performance Indicator BUse technology to support learner-centered strategies that address the diverse needs of students.
 Performance Indicator CApply technology to develop students’ higher order skills and creativity.
 Performance Indicator DManage student learning activities in a technology-enhanced environment.
• Standard IVAssessment and Evaluation.
Teachers apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies.
 Performance Indicator AApply technology in assessing student learning of subject matter using a variety of assessment techniques.
• Standard VProductivity and Professional Practice.
Teachers use technology to enhance their productivity and professional practice.
 Performance Indicator AUse technology resources to engage in ongoing professional development and lifelong learning.
 Performance Indicator CApply technology to increase productivity.
• Standard VISocial, Ethical, Legal, and Human Issues.
Teachers understand the social,ethical,legal,and human issues surrounding the use of technology in PK-12 schools and apply those principles in practice.
 Performance Indicator AModel and teach legal and ethical practice related to technology use.
 Performance Indicator DPromote safe and healthy use of technology resources.
 Performance Indicator EFacilitate equitable access to technology resources for all students.

USA- 21st Century Learning Skills & ICT Literacy
• Area Information and communication technology literacy
 Skill Thinking and problem-solving skills
 Skill Critical thinking and systems thinking
 Skill Problem identification, formulation, and solution
 Skill Creativity and intellectual curiosity
• Area Information and communication skills
 Skill Information and media literacy skills
 Skill Communication skills
• Area Interpersonal and self-direction skills
 Skill Interpersonal and collaborative skills
 Skill Self-direction
 Skill Accountability and adaptability
 Skill Social responsibility