MS-ESS2-3
Middle School Science · Next Generation Science Standards · 2013
The Standard
Analyze and interpret data on the distribution of fossils and rocks, continental shapes, and seafloor structures to provide evidence of the past plate motions.
Standard Unwrapping
AI-generated as a starting point.Vocabulary
datadistributionfossilsrockscontinental shapesseafloor structuresevidenceplate motionspast plate motions
Skills
- analyze (the distribution of fossils and rocks) #dok2
- interpret (data on continental shapes) #dok2
- interpret (data on seafloor structures) #dok2
- provide evidence (using data) #dok3
Learning Targets
- I can identify data representing the distribution of fossils and rocks. #dok1
- I can interpret data on continental shapes and seafloor structures. #dok2
- I can analyze and interpret geological data to infer past plate motions. #dok3
- I can provide evidence for plate tectonics using data from fossils, rocks, continents, and seafloor structures. #dok3
Big Ideas
- Patterns in the distribution of fossils, rocks, and geologic features provide evidence for the movement of Earth’s plates.
- The arrangement of continents, distribution of fossils, and seafloor structures support the theory of plate tectonics.
Essential Questions
- How does the distribution of fossils and rocks provide evidence for past plate motions?
- What patterns in continental shapes and seafloor structures help us understand how Earth's plates have moved?
- Why is it important to study the location of fossils and rock layers when investigating Earth's geological history?
- How can scientists use current data to reconstruct the movement of Earth’s plates over time?
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