Plate Tectonics: The Way the Earth
Works
Grades 6—8
Written by Kevin Cuff with Ian Carmichael
and Carolyn Willard
The theory of plate tectonics represents a revolutionary breakthrough
in the earth sciences, providing a coherent model of how the outer
surface of the Earth moves and changes.
In these activities, students conduct simulated research at key
geological sites around the world. They visit Hawaii, California,
Iceland, Japan and Nepal, and their investigations range from
the bottom of the ocean to the top of Mount Everest. Classroom
models of erupting volcanoes, strike-slip faults, rock layers,
and sea-floor spreading help reveal the dynamic nature of the
Earth's crust. Students record observations, calculations,
and conclusions in a geological field notebook.
Plate tectonics is a challenging subject that many middle school
teachers are required to teach. This new GEMS guide provides
clear, step-by-step presentation instructions, concise and accessible
background information, built-in assessments, resources, student
reading and literature suggestions, and helpful suggestions from
teachers who tested the activities in classrooms nationwide.
These activities use readily available materials and no special
science knowledge or background is required to present them.
Related earth science activities can be found in Stories
in Stone.
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