Embedded Files
Lesson overview
Lesson overview
In this lesson you will:
discover what plate tectonics are
map recent earthquakes
model geological processes.
Intentions and criteria
Intentions and criteria
Learning Intentions:
To know that plate tectonics explains how many of the Earth’s landforms change over time.
To understand that it is at the plate boundaries that most earthquake and volcanic activity occurs.
To be able to analyse and model information on important geological processes.
To be able to investigate and communicate information on an Australian earthquake in a report.
Success Criteria:
I can use my research and communication skills to complete a Frayer diagram on plate tectonics and to highlight earthquakes on a world map.
I have successfully engaged with information on important geological processes and I can communicate my understanding by developing simple models that help explain them.
I can successfully use my research and communication skills to create an information report on an Australian earthquake.
Challenges
Challenges
Challenges
Challenges
Some of the activities in this lesson are must do activities. These are also called a mini challenge. Please have a go at the should do activities and reach out to your teacher if you need assistance. You could also spend some extra time problem solving a solution to these challenges. Finally, there are super challenge activities, the could do activities. We strongly encourage you to try these.
Activity 1: Understanding plate tectonics
Activity 1: Understanding plate tectonics
Earthquakes are incredible and potentially devastating events that shape the Earth and influence how many people live.
Task 1 - Complete a Frayer diagram on plate tectonics
Task 1 - Complete a Frayer diagram on plate tectonics
To get us started learning about earthquakes we need to understand what plate tectonics are. Use the following steps to complete the Frayer diagram template.
Research and insert a definition.
Find some facts about plate tectonics.
List some examples of how it shapes the Earth and what landforms it creates.
Finally find some non-examples (landforms not shaped by plate tectonics e.g. Valleys by glaciers or think of landforms formed by weathering and erosion).
CC0 Public Domain
Use this Google Slides template to complete your work.
Task 2 - One of the biggest earthquakes ever!
Task 2 - One of the biggest earthquakes ever!
Watch this YouTube video on the 1964 Great Alaska earthquake carefully.
While you watch, complete the following in your exercise book or folder.
Identify 2 impacts of this large event on the development of tectonic plate theory.
List 2 ways we now plan for earthquakes as a result of this disaster.
Magnitude 9.2: The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake
Duration: 4:04
Activity 2: Mapping earthquakes
Activity 2: Mapping earthquakes
Let’s look at the relationship between earthquakes and plate tectonics.
The map below highlights the plate boundaries that are in the crust of Earth.
Task 1 - Top 20 recorded earthquakes
Task 1 - Top 20 recorded earthquakes
Visit the 20 Largest Earthquakes in the World page on the USGS website.
Complete the questions in the Mapping activity document.
Use this Google Sheets template to complete your work.
Task 2 - Recent earthquakes around Australia and the world
Task 2 - Recent earthquakes around Australia and the world
Use the embedded Earthquakes@GA website below to explore recent earthquake events.
Click on the ‘Layers’ button at the top of the screen, and then select the Earthquakes 10 years box under the Overlays heading.
Scroll out to see the whole Earth, not just Australia.
Complete the following question in your exercise book or folder:
In Task 1 you observed the pattern around the location of earthquakes and the location of plate boundaries. Does the data from this website confirm your conclusion? State why or why not and include examples in your answer.
Activity 3: Modelling geological processes
Activity 3: Modelling geological processes
Models in science are widely used to help people gain an understanding of the scientific concepts involved.
Let’s make some simple models of some the main geological process that occur due to plate tectonics.
Use the embedded site, Plate Tectonics, Faults, and Folding to help with your research.
Using simple household materials (e.g. sponges, biscuits, cardboard, playdough), create a model of each of the types of plate boundaries, rock faults and folds. Some may be more difficult than others so you will need to be creative!
Take a photo of each model and add it to the Google Slides document.
Finally label each of your models.
Use this Google Slides template to complete your work.
(c)Ben Surwald Used with permission.
Optional activity: Australian earthquake research task
Optional activity: Australian earthquake research task
Explore the Historical earthquakes of Australia website embedded below.
Choose one of the major earthquakes to explore in more detail and write an information report on.
Visit the Australian earthquake research task writing scaffold Google Slide template and make a copy for yourself to use.
Complete the writing scaffold and then write a report.
Submit both your completed scaffold and final report.
Handing in your work
Handing in your work
Don't forget to hand in the work you completed today!
Your teacher will have told you to do one of the following:
Upload any digital documents you created and any photos you took of your written work to your Learning Management system (MS Teams, Google Classroom for example).
Email any digital documents you created and any photos you took of your written work to your teacher.
Make sure you keep any hand written work you did in your exercise book or folder as your teacher may need to see these when you are back in class.
Student reflection
Student reflection
Show how you feel about today's learning.
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