Grades:

Grade 11-12

Subjects:

Geography

Overview

Students learn about geological techniques used to develop our understanding of the earth. Emphasis is placed on plate tectonics, mountain building,  earthquakes and volcanoes.

Suggested Time Allowance:

1 hour

Objectives:

It is expected that students will:

• compare a variety of techniques used to learn about the earth
• identify major factors responsible for earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, mountain building, and formation of ocean ridges
• identify evidence that supports the theory of plate tectonics
• assess impacts of volcanoes and earthquakes on the environment

Materials:

• Computers with Internet access
• Student Journals

Lesson Plan

Start the lesson going with a discussion on earthquakes. Has any student actually experienced an earthquake? Ask him to describe his experience to the whole class. Then shift the focus of the discussion to the factors which cause earthquakes. Ask students to study the data provided in the links below and answer the following questions in their journals.

• What is Seismology?
• What are seismic waves? How are they caused?
• What is a seismograph? What is the Richter scale? 
• What are fault lines? How are they caused?
• What are tectonic plates?
• What are the major fault lines in North America which produce devastating earthquakes?

Provide students with a world map on which they can identify major volcanoes, earthquakes, mountain ranges and ocean ridges. From the location of these, students can infer the boundaries of the major plates and mark them on the map. Ask students to indicate the direction of plate movement. Can they  predict all the countries where earthquakes and volcanoes are regular hazards? They can verify their answers at this country wise hazard listing

Have students make models of different kinds of plate boundaries.

Demonstrate convection currents by placing a very large beaker or pan on a small hot plate. The water in the beaker rises in the center where it is hot and descends at the edges where it is cooler. Confetti placed on the water mimics plate movement.

Have students plot earthquake and volcano data on a world map and use the resulting pattern to identify the major plate boundaries. Check to see if they have drawn the plate boundaries accurately. To check their understanding of the relationship between plate boundaries and earthquakes and volcanoes, ask them questions such as:

• Why are there more earthquakes and volcanoes on and near plate boundaries? Explain your answer.
• Are earthquakes and volcanoes likely to occur near where you live? Why or why not?

Ask them to write an essay on Seismology for assessment. They can elaborate on the class discussion with data on the New Madrid Fault Zone  and the San Andreas Fault. Have students describe the various effects, both positive and negative, of volcanic activity. Note whether they include impact on the environment, individuals, and society.

Assessment:

Students will be evaluated based on their involvement in class discussions and subsequent essay.

Source:

NationMaster