6.4 - Plate Tectonics & Rock Cycling

Unit Objectives...

Plate Tectonics & Rock Cycling - What causes Earth's surface to change?

• Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence from rock strata for how the geologic time scale is used to organize Earth’s 4.6-billion-year-old history. (SC.8.14.7.A)

• Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth’s surface at varying time and spatial scales. (SC.7.14.6.A)

• Analyze and interpret data on the distribution of fossils and rocks, continental shapes, and seafloor structures to provide evidence of the past plate motions. (SC.7.14.6.B)

• Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth’s materials and the flow of energy that drives this process. (SC.7.13.5.A)