Standard 6: Earth Structures

The scientific theory of plate tectonics provides the framework for much of modern geology. Over geologic time, internal and external sources of energy have continuously altered the features of Earth by means of both constructive and destructive forces. All life, including human civilization, is dependent on Earth's internal and external energy and material resources.

General Information

Number: SC.912.E.6

Title: Earth Structures

Type: Standard

Subject: Science

Grade: 912

Body of Knowledge: Earth and Space Science

Related Benchmarks

This cluster includes the following benchmarks.

Related Access Points

This cluster includes the following access points.

Independent

SC.912.E.6.In.1

Describe the three layers of Earth (core, mantle, and crust).

SC.912.E.6.In.2

Describe examples of surface features, such as glaciers, valleys, canyons, and dried riverbeds, which are caused by wind and erosion (surface processes).

SC.912.E.6.In.3

Relate a cause and effect of movements in Earth’s crust (plate tectonics), such as fault lines in the plates causing earthquakes.

SC.912.E.6.In.4

Identify natural geological processes that change the land and water in Florida, including beach erosion and sinkholes.

Supported

SC.912.E.6.Su.1

Recognize the three layers of Earth (core, mantle, and crust).

SC.912.E.6.Su.2

Identify types of surface features, such as hills and valleys.

SC.912.E.6.Su.3

Recognize that Earth’s crust is broken into parts (plates) that move and cause mountains and volcanoes.

SC.912.E.6.Su.4

Recognize examples of natural changes to Florida’s land and water, such as beach erosion.

Participatory

SC.912.E.6.Pa.1

Identify a surface feature of Earth, such as a hill.

SC.912.E.6.Pa.2

Recognize that the surface of Earth can change.

Related Resources

Vetted resources educators can use to teach the concepts and skills in this topic.

Formative Assessment

Analyzing the theory of plate tectonics performance task assessment:

This is a performance task assessment that allows for assessment of student knowledge of the plate tectonic theory. This task requires students to write a RAFT.

Type: Formative Assessment

Lesson Plans

Lesson 1: Introduction to Oceanography & Remote Sensing:

This lesson covers:

•How the ocean moves and why it is important to all life on Earth

•Different geologic features in the ocean and how they impact currents

•How the Earth and ocean are studied by satellites and remote sensing

•How to use a web based program to interpret real world satellite data

Type: Lesson Plan

Sea Ice Analysis:

The changing climate is an important topic for both scientific analysis and worldly knowledge. This lesson uses data collected by the National Snow and Ice Data Center to create and use mathematical models as a predictive tool and do critical analysis of sea ice loss.

Type: Lesson Plan

Sea Level Rise: The Ocean's Uplifting Experience:

The purpose of this lesson is to introduce students to the concept of sea level rise as it occurs through climate change by having them examine 3 specific parameters: ice distribution, thermal expansion, and analyzing and interpreting data. The lesson and activities within the lesson were designed using the three dimensions of the Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards – specifically crosscutting concepts, science and engineering practices, and disciplinary core ideas. While there isn’t any required pre-requisite learning required for this lesson, a general understanding of sea-level rise, glaciers, and climate may be beneficial to students. During classroom breaks, pairs of students will develop/discuss their models, revise their interpretations of their models or data, and think-pair-share their thoughts on the investigation segments.

Type: Lesson Plan

Gr 9-12. Environmental Factors of the Everglades, Lesson 2: Parallels:

Students trace the latitude of the Everglades and different locations around the world, comparing the weather, climate, and other environmental factors of the K-O-E watershed with those of other land masses on or near the 28th parallel.

Type: Lesson Plan

Gr 9-12. Environmental Factors of the Everglades, Lesson 3: Survival:

Students will learn about Everglades ecosystems as they “travel” through the plant communities of the Everglades watershed.

Type: Lesson Plan

Earthquake Structures and the Richter Scale:

In this engineering design challenge, students will build an earthquake-proof structure out of spaghetti and marshmallows and then test them with an earthquake shake table. Students will research earthquake damage and how designs have changed with our new technologies and our understanding of earthquakes. After testing and research, students will prepare and present a final presentation on their findings. They will also explore the use of the Richter scale as a measurement of earthquake intensity. This is a culminating activity for a unit on Earth's forces.

Type: Lesson Plan

Sinkholes Under Your Home:

In this MEA, students will determine the best location for building homes based on sinkhole data. Students will determine the best location for building new homes for a growing population, investigate sinkhole data, and determine the best location for the new homes.

Model Eliciting Activities, MEAs, are open-ended, interdisciplinary problem-solving activities that are meant to reveal students’ thinking about the concepts embedded in realistic situations. MEAs resemble engineering problems and encourage students to create solutions in the form of mathematical and scientific models. Students work in teams to apply their knowledge of science and mathematics to solve an open-ended problem, while considering constraints and tradeoffs. Students integrate their ELA skills into MEAs as they are asked to clearly document their thought process. MEAs follow a problem-based, student centered approach to learning, where students are encouraged to grapple with the problem while the teacher acts as a facilitator. To learn more about MEA’s visit: https://www.cpalms.org/cpalms/mea.aspx

Type: Lesson Plan

Land Formation-Rotation-Stations:

Students will learn about sinkholes, aquifers, sand dunes, lakes, springs and sea level changes in this rotational activity. Students will work in small groups and complete a short web-quest with a demo or small project.

Type: Lesson Plan

Plate Tectonics Games & Dream Vacation:

Students will love the copious amounts of plate tectonics review games in this lesson. They will also create their dream vacations by making their own Tectonic Travel Itinerary!

Type: Lesson Plan

When North Becomes South:

In this lesson, students will analyze an informational text intended to support reading in the content area. The article explains how the National Science Foundation (NSF) is using some of their ships and equipment to study the magnetic properties of the ocean floor. The data they collect will help them better understand the phenomenon known as geomagnetic reversal. The article also includes a brief explanation of what geomagnetic reversal is. The lesson plan includes a note-taking guide, text-dependent questions, a writing prompt, answer keys, and a writing rubric. Numerous options to extend the lesson are also included.

Type: Lesson Plan

Making of the Ocean Floor:

This is a 5-E lesson exploring the ocean floor features and how each feature formed. The objective is to explain that the ocean floor is dynamic and has changed over the years. It involves the understanding that tectonic plates impact the oceanic plates and continental plates. It also address the other processes that change the ocean floor. It includes the use of technology, Google Earth, hands-on inquiry, and guided research.

Type: Lesson Plan

Predicting Tectonic Activity using Earthquakes:

Students will predict plate movement by analyzing earthquake patterns from earthquake coordinate locations they have plotted on a map and comparing those patterns to animated earthquakes distribution in years 2011 and 2014.

Type: Lesson Plan

The Science of Sinkholes:

In this lesson, students investigate how sinkholes form, identify sinkholes that have filled with water and are now permanent water features, and find relationships between geology, natural processes, and sinkhole formation in Florida.

Type: Lesson Plan

Investigating Earthquakes with Google Earth:

Students will explore the relationship between earthquakes and the tectonic plate boundaries using Google Earth. Students will track earthquakes noting location, magnitude and date. Students will apply their findings to formulate an understanding the processes that shape the earth.

Type: Lesson Plan

Formation of Oceanic Features:

This is a picture inquiry based lesson for students to explore four specific oceanic features (mid-ocean ridge, trench, seamount, and continental shelf). Groups of three students will observe and explain features found in pictures and share ideas with their peers.

Type: Lesson Plan

Relating Surface Area and Volume:

Students will recognize that while the surface area may change, the volume can remain the same. This lesson is enhanced through the multimedia CPALMS Perspectives Video, which introduces students to the relationship between surface area and volume.

Type: Lesson Plan

Original Student Tutorials

Earth's Layers Part 2:

Learn about seismic waves and how they interact with and impact Earth's layers in this interactive tutorial.

This is part 2 of a two-part series. Click HERE to view part 1.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Earth's Layers Part 1:

Learn to identify Earth's internal layers and their physical and chemical characteristics with this interactive tutorial.

This is part 1 of 2-part series, click HERE to view part 2 [COMING SOON].

Type: Original Student Tutorial