TEKS Addressed: 6.1A, 6.2A, 6.2C, 6.2E, 6.3A, 6.3B, 6.3C, 6.3D, 6.4A, 6.4B, 6.10C, 6.10D

Introduction

This unit bundles Student Expectations that address the identification of major tectonic plates and how the force and motion of plates causes major geologic events.

Prior to this Unit

• Grade 3

  • 3.7B – Investigate rapid changes in Earth's surface such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and landslides.

• Grade 4

  • 4.7B – Observe and identify slow changes to Earth's surface caused by weathering, erosion, and deposition from water, wind, and ice.

• Grade 5

  • 5.7B – Recognize how landforms such as deltas, canyons, and sand dunes are the result of changes to Earth's surface by wind, water, and ice.

• Grade 6

  • 6.9A – Investigate methods of thermal energy transfer, including conduction, convection, and radiation.

During this Unit

Students use scientific practices and a variety of tools to investigate and describe how plate tectonics causes major geologic events. They build on the prior knowledge of convection, the asthenosphere, and the lithosphere to gain an understanding of plate movement. Students also identify major tectonic plates. Additionally, students communicate and discuss their observations and record and organize data in their notebooks. Furthermore, students analyze and interpret information to construct reasonable explanations based on evidence from their investigations and communicate valid conclusions (supported by collected data). Students continue to demonstrate safe practices as outlined in Texas Education Agency-approved safety standards and consider environmentally appropriate and ethical practices with resources during investigations.

After this Unit

In Grade 8, students will describe the historical development of evidence that supports plate tectonic theory and relate plate tectonics to the formation of crustal features.