What do the following have in common?
Let's find out. Use a sheet protector and sharpies (use different colors for each) and draw overlay drawings of the volcanoes, earthquakes and mountain ranges. Tell me what you notice...
Can you tell me how many continents are there? How many do you think there were 235 million years ago? There was just one. It was called Pangea. Over the last 235 million years the plates have moved to the current configuration of 7 continents. Let's take a look: | |
So how do we know this is the case? This interactive activity adapted from the Exploratorium presents evidence that supports the theory of plate tectonics, which explains how and when continents have shifted position over time. Geological and biological evidence have played important roles in forming the theory, and in return the theory has provided answers to some challenging questions. |
These plates are still moving (about as fast as your fingernails grow). This is what the Earth might look like in another 250 million years. | |
Next Monday, Mr. Buckley will be coming to class to talk to the students!