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Earthquakes Living Lab: The Theory of Plate Tectonics Activity—Worksheet Example Answers 1
The Theory of Plate Tectonics Worksheet
Objective: Gather evidence to explain the theory of plate tectonics.
Materials: Work in pairs sharing one computer with Internet access.
Engage:
1. What continent do you live on? Can you think of any ways the continent has changed over time?
Answers will vary.
Explore: Navigate to the Earthquakes Living Lab at
http://www.teachengineering.org/livinglabs/earthquakes/.
Notice the four main components of the Earthquakes Living
Lab.
2. Select the second option, the “Southern California” box. >
click the third link on the right side of the page titled,
“How have the Earth’s continents changed over time?” at
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/geology/anim1.html.
3. Compare the map of the world today (such as the real-time earthquake map) to a map of the world
250 million years ago (called Pangaea). Use the interactive continental drift map to watch the change
in the Earth’s landforms over millions of years.
As you watch the animation, record at least three examples of how the continents have changed
their positions over time.
Answers will vary. Expect students to describe how some landforms started as one mass and have
separated, or how other landmasses have moved to different locations.
If the plates continue to move in this pattern, draw a sketch of what the world might look like 250
million years in the future.
Sketches will vary. Grade sketches based on logic and completeness.
4. Explain: Navigate back to the Earthquakes Living Lab main page and click on the second and fourth
links titled, “What is the theory of plate tectonics? What evidence supports the theory of plate
tectonics?” and general information on plate tectonics. Explore more about the theory. Read the
background information and answer the following questions:
Example Answers
