Standards

Questions

• 1. How do we know the age of Earth, Sun and universe?

  2. How did the formation of Earth help shape its features today?

  3. How can we interpret the geologic history of an area?

  4. How do the different types of plate boundaries create different landforms on Earth?

  5. How have scientists “discovered” the layers of Earth?

  6. What drives plate motion? What might happen to Earth’s landforms in the future?

  7. Why are some natural hazards difficult to predict, while others are easier to predict?

  8. How are humans impacted by natural hazards?

  9. How can we prepare for natural hazards? How is climate change expected to change the incidence of natural hazards?

Standards

1. The history of the universe, solar system and Earth can be inferred from evidence left from past events.

2. The theory of plate tectonics helps explain geological, physical, and geographical features of Earth.

   1. Natural hazards have local, national and global impacts such as volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, and thunderstorms

Relevance

• 1. Geologic principles such as original horizontality, superposition, cross-cutting relationships, unconformities, and index fossils allow us to accurately interpret geologic history.

  2. Employ data-collection technology such as geographic mapping systems and visualization tools to gather and analyze data and scientific information about Earth’s history.

1. New conceptual interpretations of data and innovative geophysical technologies led to the current theory of plate tectonics. .

Outcomes

1. Develop, communicate, and justify an evidence-based scientific explanation addressing questions about Earth’s history

2. Analyze and interpret data regarding Earth’s history using direct and indirect evidence

3. Analyze and interpret data regarding the history of the universe using direct and indirect evidence

4. Seek, evaluate, and use a variety of specialized resources available from libraries, the Internet, and the community to find scientific information on Earth’s history

5. Examine, evaluate, question, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media to investigate the history of the universe, solar system and Earth.

   1. Develop, communicate, and justify an evidence-based scientific explanation about the theory of plate tectonics and how it can be used to understand geological, physical, and geographical features of Earth

   2. Analyze and interpret data on plate tectonics and the geological, physical, and geographical features of Earth

   3. Understand the role plate tectonics has had with respect to long-term global changes in Earth’s systems such as continental buildup, glaciations, sea-level fluctuations, and climate change Investigate and explain how new conceptual interpretations of data and innovative geophysical technologies led to the current theory of plate tectonics