Geology Unit Information and Expectations:

       In this Geology unit, students will develop an understanding of how the earth has changed and how it continues to change. Students will also examine real life topics related to land use and how our choices affect the environment. We will focus our learning on many specific areas related to Geology: Plate tectonics, faulting and folding, and weathering and erosion. The goal of our study is to help students to develop an appreciation and respect for our ever changing earth and all of its precious resources.

       Students learn about these topics through a variety of instructional activities such as hands-on inquiry-based activities, model creation, project research, and content reading.

 

 

 
            PLATE TECTONICS QUIZ   http://www.quia.com/quiz/1188530.html

           

       

LINK TO GEOLOGY REVIEW ACTIVITIES ON QUIA http://www.quia.com/jg/1046846.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

 
     

 

 

 

 

 

Click HERE to visit weathering and erosion web links

Interesting web-sites related to

Weathering and Erosion Project

 

 

 

State Frameworks Relevant to This Unit:

Energy in the Earth’s Systems – How do external and internal sources of energy affect the Earth’s systems?

7.3 - Landforms are the result of the interaction of constructive and destructive forces over time.

 

¨      Volcanic activity and the folding and faulting of rock layers during the shifting of the Earth’s crust affect the formation of mountains, ridges and valleys.

¨      Glaciation, weathering and erosion change the Earth’s surface by moving earth materials from place to place.

 

C 1.       Describe how folded and faulted rock layers provide evidence of the gradual up and down motion of the Earth’s crust. 

C 2.       Explain how glaciation, weathering and erosion create and shape valleys and floodplains.

C 3.       Explain how the boundaries of tectonic plates can be inferred from the location of earthquakes and volcanoes.

 

QUIA LINKS

 

Drifting continents link:  http://www.quia.com/quiz/871453.html

 

Earth’s Spreading Ocean floor: http://www.quia.com/quiz/871471.html

 

Earths’ Moving plates: http://www.quia.com/quiz/881553.html

 


*Challenge Activity? A challenge activity is offered to any student who wishes to explore further into the subject of Geology. This unit’s challenge activity could revolve around solving the real life problem of building structures that can withstand earthquakes. Students who are interested in participating in the challenge activity would be expected to conduct research on the current ideas for building structures in earthquake zone areas. Using this information, students will build a model structure that can withstand an earthquake. They should take into account the ideas they have as well as information they researched about. Or, a student could write and illustrate a children’s book explaining the rock cycle. If you think that a challenge activity is for you, please talk to Ms. Mehalakes or Mrs. Gnesdilow to figure out the specific requirements needed to complete your project and help you to get successfully on your way!

 

Earth Structure Notes (PowerPoint)

Earth Structure Notes (PDF)

Continental Drift Worksheet

Soil Formation Worksheet (web)

Soil Formation Worksheet (word)

Earth’s Moving Plates

Plate Tectonics VOCAB