8th Grade Science Unit 4

Big Idea:

The movement of tectonic plates creates forces which explain the variety of Earth’s constantly changing landforms.

Student Expectations:

Priority TEKS

8.9(B) [Readiness] Relate plate tectonics to the formation of crustal features.

Focus TEKS

8.9(A) [Supporting] Describe the historical development of evidence that supports plate tectonic theory.

8.9(C) [Readiness] Interpret topographic maps and satellite views to identify land and erosional features and predict how these features may be reshaped by weathering.

Ongoing TEKS

8.1(A) [Tools to Know] Demonstrate safe practices during laboratory and field investigations as outlined in the Texas Safety Standards.

8.1(B) [Tools to Know] practice appropriate use and conservation of resources, including disposal, reuse, or recycling of materials

8.2(A) [Tools to Know] Plan and implement comparative and descriptive investigations by making observations, asking well-defined questions, and using appropriate equipment and technology.

8.2(B) [Tools to Know] design and implement comparative and experimental investigations by making observations, asking well-defined questions, formulating testable hypotheses, and using appropriate equipment and technology

8.2(C) [Ways to Show] Collect and record data using the International System of Units (SI) and qualitative means such as labeled drawings, writing, and graphic organizers

8.2(D) [Ways to Show] construct tables and graphs, using repeated trials and means, to organize data and identify patterns

8.2(E) [Ways to Show] analyze data to formulate reasonable explanations, communicate valid conclusions supported by the data, and predict trends

8.3(A) [Ways to Show] In all fields of science, analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations by using empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing, including examining all sides of scientific evidence of those scientific explanations, so as to encourage critical thinking by the student

8.3(B) [Ways to Show] use models to represent aspects of the natural world such as an atom, a molecule, space, or a geologic feature

8.3(C) [Ways to Show] identify advantages and limitations of models such as size, scale, properties, and materials

8.3(D) [Ways to Show] relate the impact of research on scientific thought and society, including the history of science and contributions of scientists as related to the content

8.4(A) [Tools to Know] ) use appropriate tools to collect, record, and analyze information, including lab journals/notebooks, beakers, meter sticks, graduated cylinders, anemometers, psychrometers, hot plates, test tubes, spring scales, balances, microscopes, thermometers, calculators, computers, spectroscopes, timing devices, and other equipment as needed to teach the curriculum

8.4(B) [Tools to Know] use preventative safety equipment, including chemical splash goggles, aprons, and gloves, and be prepared to use emergency safety equipment, including an eye/face wash, a fire blanket, and a fire extinguisher

Student Learning Targets:

• I will describe how scientists used evidence to come up with the theory of plate tectonics.
• I will describe the process of convection and how it relates to plate movement.
• I will identify different types of plate boundaries.
• I will describe how tectonic plate movement forms a variety of crustal features and geologic events.
• I will interpret topographic maps and identify crustal features.

Essential Questions:

• What is the difference between Continental Drift Theory and the Theory of Plate Tectonics?
• How are landforms such as mountains, volcanoes, trenches, ocean ridges, and rift valleys created?
• How are topographic maps used tell you about the shape of the Earth’s surface?

Extra Information:

Adopted Textbook: Texas STEM, McGraw-Hill

District Grading Policy

Texas Gateway Online Resource Center