Mr. Andersen's MS SciWeb
Gowana Middle School Science
2011-2012

Movers and Shakers   (click title for a printable version)

Timeline: 5 Weeks

Click on any section heading to go to that item or learn more about it.

Objectives:

  •  Diagram and describe the earth's internal parts.

  • Discuss the four pieces of evidence for the idea of continental drift including sea-floor spreading.

  • Compare convergent, divergent and transform plate boundaries.

  • Explain the types and causes for earthquakes on the three main faults.

  •  Locate the epicenter of an earthquake and describe its magnitude.

  • Compare and contrast primary, secondary and surface waves

  • Describe the conditions that cause an earthquakes and volcanoes and the relationship to plate tectonics.

  • Identify the major forms of a volcano and describe how they erupt.

Readings:

  • Chapter 4 Sections: 1,2,3

  • Chapter 5 Sections: 1,2

  • Chapter 6 Sections: 1,2

Vocabulary:

  • Convergent Boundary                    Earthquake                            Transform Fault                        Ring of Fire

  • Divergent Boundary                        Epicenter                               Subduction zone                        Magnitude

  • Asthenosphere                                 Fault                                       Plate Tectonics                         Seismic Wave

  • Outer Core                                       Primary Waves                     Sea-floor Spreading                 Pangaea

  • Lithosphere                                      Secondary Waves               Convection Current                    Trench

  • Mantle                                               Surface Waves                     Hot Spot                                        Eruption

  • Composite                                         Shield                                     Cinder Cone                              Magma

 

Homework:

Click on the homework button to get a printable version of the homework. One of the four homework assignments may be excused. 

 

Name

Due Date

Handout #1

Plate Tectonics

Feb. 10

Handout #2

Theory of Plate Tectonics

Feb 16

Handout #3

Earthquakes

Mar. 2

Handout #4

Volcanoes and Earth’s Moving Plates

Mar. 8

Test and Quiz

Test during the week ending March12

Be aware of the due dates as they are given.


 
 

In-class Laboratories:

Pangaea Put Together: Unravel the puzzle and put the Earth back together.
  • Question:  Is there a pattern that can be found in the shape of the earth’s major landmasses?
  • Materials:  Map of the world, Scissors, Glue stick, Lab book

Convection Connection: A demo and drawing activity

It’s Not My Fault:  Use the block to show what is going where underground.
  • Question:  Which direction does the earth move when things start shaking?
  • Materials:  Earth Fault Model, Scissors, Tape, Colored pencils, Handout

Which Way Did It Go?  How do we know where and when earthquakes happen.
  • Question:  From just one location and with no communication, can you find the exact epicenter of an earthquake ?
  • Materials:  Online Computer WorkSheet