Introduction

  In 1912, Alfred Wegener set forth the theory of Continental Drift. This idea forever changed the way scientists view the ever evolving surface of planet Earth. 

     The changes of the Earth's surface can be abrupt and dramatic or subtle and barely noticeable. Regardless, the processes of change are part of a continuous and never ending metamorphosis of our world. 

     For this unit of study you will be working as an individual as well as with a group. You will be given a grade for the individual assignments and a group grade for the group projects.  Make sure you follow ALL instructions.
 

The Task

     This project will be divided into 3 specific sections.

  Section 1
  Before your can have a vision of Earth's future, you will need an understanding of the Earth's structure and how that structure plays a role in the changes of our planet. For this section, you will:

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Top of Page 

    Section 2
  Once you have an understanding of the Earth's structure, you will learn about Alfred Wegener and his contributions to the field of Geology. This section of the Possible Earth's Past is individual. You will  work in your groups while completing the vocabulary and the questions worksheets.  The letter writing activity is an individual task. For this section you will:

• Define all vocabulary words provided on the handout distributed in class. Each person must have her/his own completed vocabulary sheet.
• Answer all questions on the handouts provided. Each person must have his/her own complete set of questions and answer.
• Complete the handout provided regarding Alfred Wegener and his work. Each person must have her/his own complete set of questions and answers.
• Write a letter to the Royal Geological Society in Britain. In this letter, you persuade the Society to accept the Theory of Continental Drift. Each person will write their own letter for a grade.

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Top of Page

Section 3
  For the third and final section of this project, you will work with the pair that you were assigned to for section 1 and create a map depicting the position of the continents 150,000,000 (150 million) years from now based on your research.

• Define all vocabulary words provided on the handout distributed in class. Each person must have her/his own completed vocabulary sheet.
• Answer all questions on the handouts provided. Each person must have his/her own complete set of questions and answer. 
• Research the rate of movement and direction of movement of the Tectonic Plates.
• Using this information,
• Present your map to the rest of the class. Your presentation must include specific reasons for your prediction. Both of you must have a part in the presentation as well.

The Process

   For this web project, you will be assigned to groups before you begin.  Your groups will consist of 4 people. Once placed in your groups, decide who will be :
    1. Materials manager. ( gathers group materials, handouts, etc.)
    2. Recorder. ( writes down information needed to complete task for the group.)
    3. Reader. ( reads important information aloud to the group with a "one foot" voice.)
    4. Group manager. ( responsible for keeping the group on task , tracking due dates.)

    Once you have organized your group, you can start your project.  Each person in the group will have an important job. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS before beginning. Due dates for each activity and project will be announced in class.

  While reading the information in the web sites listed, answer the questions on the handout provided. Also, define the vocabulary words forLesson 1 and Content Center 1.
 Remember, each person in the group MUST have his/her own  complete set of questions and vocabulary.
  Begin by going to the following sites :

Lesson 1- Earth's Structure

Content Center 1- The Earth's Layers

Once you have completed your questions and vocabulary, your group will create a detailed and labeled poster depicting the Earth's structure. Make sure you give the poster a title. Make sure all group member names are on the back of your work. 

 ** If you need a need a new copy of the vocabulary words or the questions click on the following links:

VOCABULARY WORKSHEET

QUESTIONS
 

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits |Heilmania Homepage 

SECTION 2

    Begin this section by reading the information for Lesson 2 and the Content Center 2. You will answer the questions for these readings and define the vocabulary words. Remember, all persons in your group must have her/his own complete set of questions and defined vocabulary. 

  Begin by going to the following web sites:

Lesson 2- A History Of Earth's Plates

Content Center-Pangaea To The Present

Once you have completed your questions and vocabulary begin reading about the man named Alfred Wegener. Complete the handout for this activity. Each person in the group must have his/her own completed handout. To read about Alfred Wegener go to the following web site: 

  People & Discoveries-Alfred Wegener on PBS Biographies

Another Bio on Alfred Wegener at USGS
 
 

  Obtain a worksheet from the classroom. Follow the instructions for writing your letter to the Royal Geological Society. This will be your rough draft. Each person in the group must write their own letter. This letter will count as a quiz grade. Be sure to peer edit your work checking for spelling and grammar errors.
       When you believe your letter is perfect, ask for a piece of blank white paper and a black or blue ink pen. You will rewrite your letter in your best handwriting (cursive is encouraged) on the blank white paper with the pen, making it look antique and official. Submit your finished product for a grade.

** If you need a new copy of the Vocabulary Words, Questions or Alfred Wegener worksheet, click on the links below to make new copies.

Vocabulary Worksheet

Questions

Alfred Wegener Worksheet
 
 

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits |Heilmania Homepage 

SECTION 3
  Begin this final section by doing Content Center 3 and Lesson 3 and reading the information in them. On the vocabulary handout, define all words. On the question handout, answer all questions carefully. Each person in the group will need to have their own complete set of worksheets. When you are done, complete the final task as a group. 

Content Center 3- Mountain Building

Lesson 3- How Plates Move

** If you need a copy of the section 3 vocabulary words and questions, click on the links below to obtain a new page.

Vocabulary Worksheet

Questions

Evaluation

 CLICK ON THE EARTH TO GET A COPY OF THE  PROJECT RUBRIC 

Conclusion
 The Theory of Plate Tectonics, formally presented to the scientific world by Alfred Wegener in 1912, explains how our world came to exist as it does today.  However, these changes have not stopped. They are occurring as you read this paragraph.The changes are so slow and often times so small that we would  never notice them.  Some changes are quite evident and quite dramatic as in the cases of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
     For more on this click on the following links and have fun!

  PALEOGEOGRAPHIC MAPS OF EARTH

  HOW EARTHQUAKES WORK 

   PLATE TECTONICS THE CAUSE OF EARTHQUAKES

EARTHQUAKES FOR KIDS
 

Credits & References
VOLCANO WORLD

MEDIA BUILDER'S- ANIMATION FACTORY
 

Last updated on Feb. 22, 2005 . Based on a template from The Web Quest Page