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From Magma to Mountains: Exploring Earth's Surface Changes
Grade 8Science20 days
★★★★★
4.0 (1 rating)Earth ScienceTectonic PlatesRock CycleGeological HistoryFossilsModelingPresentation Skills
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Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How did the Earth change from a giant ball of melted rock to having different landforms and rock shapes that we see today?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How do processes deep within the Earth, like moving tectonic plates, help create and change the landforms we see?
- What is the rock cycle, and how does it show the way that Earth's materials are recycled?
- How does finding fossils and different kinds of rocks help us understand the movement of Earth's tectonic plates in the past?
- How can we create a model to show how energy moves and helps Earth’s materials cycle and change the planet's surface?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will develop and use models to explain the rock cycle and the flow of energy within Earth's processes.
- Students will understand the role of tectonic plate movement in forming and altering Earth's landforms.
- Students will analyze the distribution of fossils and rocks to interpret historic tectonic plate movements.
- Students will construct explanations based on evidence for how geoscience processes have transformed Earth's surface over time.
- Students will connect rock cycle knowledge to geological timescales contextualizing Earth's history.
Next Generation Science Standards
MS-ESS2-1
Primary
Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth’s materials and the flow of energy that drives this process.Reason: The project involves developing models to demonstrate the rock cycle and energy flow within Earth's processes, which directly fulfills this standard.
MS-ESS2-2
Primary
Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth’s surface at varying time and spatial scales.Reason: Students will explain how Earth's surface has transformed over time due to geoscience processes, such as tectonic movements, using evidence.
MS-ESS2-3
Primary
Analyze and interpret data on the distribution of fossils and rocks, continental shapes, and seafloor structures to provide evidence of the past plate motions.Reason: The project includes analyzing geological data and interpreting evidence from fossils and rocks to understand past tectonic plate movements.
MS-ESS1-4
Secondary
Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence from rock strata for how the geologic timescale is used to organize Earth’s 4.6-billion-year-old history.Reason: Understanding rock strata and geologic timescales helps students place Earth’s transformations in a historical context.
MS-ESS3-1
Supporting
Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how the uneven distributions of Earth’s mineral, energy, and groundwater resources are the result of past and current geoscience processes.Reason: Discussing mineral formation within the project aligns with understanding resource distribution as influenced by geological processes.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsEarth's Diary
Introduce students to a fictional 'Earth's Diary,' written from the planet's perspective. Each 'entry' details significant geological changes over millions of years. This creative narrative invites students to analyze these changes, fostering an understanding of the rock cycle and tectonic shifts through storytelling.📚
Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Activity 1
Crayon Rock Cycle Exploration
Students will utilize crayons to model the rock cycle in a guided activity. This hands-on experience allows them to see the cycle in a tangible form. Following that, they will engage in a 'rock cycle game' to further consolidate their understanding and revisit their preconceived notions. Through reflection, they will create a short video showcasing how their understanding of the rock cycle has evolved, from simplistic to acknowledging its intricate nature.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Use crayons to visually represent different stages of the rock cycle in a guided modeling activity. Discuss the types of rocks and processes involved at each stage.
2. Engage in a 'rock cycle game' designed to deepen understanding of the dynamic and non-linear aspects of the rock cycle.
3. Reflect on the activity and game, noting how initial perceptions of the rock cycle have changed, particularly regarding its complexity and order.
4. Create a short video to communicate reflections on how their understanding of the rock cycle has evolved from simple to complex.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA reflective video illustrating students' changed understanding of the rock cycle's complexity.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThe activity aligns with MS-ESS2-1 by encouraging students to engage model-making to demonstrate the cycling of Earth's materials and their understanding of the rock cycle's complexity.Activity 2
Tectonic Plate Sleuths
Students will research and create a presentation explaining how tectonic activities have shaped different landforms across various geological time scales.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Research tectonic plates and identify key terms such as continental drift, subduction, and plate boundaries.
2. Choose a specific landform or region and investigate its geological history relating to plate tectonics.
3. Gather evidence and examples of tectonic activities that influenced the selected landform.
4. Plan and create a presentation using visual aids to clearly explain the tectonic processes involved.
5. Rehearse and deliver the presentation to peers, providing insights into how tectonic activity changes Earth's surface.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA well-researched and documented presentation on tectonic plate movements and their impact on a specific landform.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsFulfills MS-ESS2-2 by constructing an explanation based on evidence of how geoscience processes have transformed Earth's surface.Activity 3
Fossil & Rock Detectives
In this activity, students will analyze fossil and rock distribution to infer past tectonic plate motions and to understand Earth's historical changes.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Collect data on different fossils and rock types that provide geological clues about past environments.
2. Use maps and historical geoscience data to explore the distribution patterns of these fossils and rocks.
3. Interpret the data to infer possible historical movements of tectonic plates.
4. Create a detailed report or poster illustrating your findings and explanations.
5. Share and discuss your interpretations in a group, considering alternative explanations.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA report or poster that illustrates past tectonic plate movements through fossil and rock data analysis.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses MS-ESS2-3 by analyzing and interpreting data on fossil and rock distribution to provide evidence of past plate motions.🏆
Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioEarth Science Portfolio Evaluation
Category 1
Conceptual Understanding
Measures students' grasp of earth science concepts including the rock cycle and tectonic movements.Criterion 1
Understanding of Rock Cycle
Assesses comprehension and explanation of the rock cycle, including its stages and complexity.
Exemplary
4 PointsExhibits sophisticated understanding of the rock cycle's stages and complexities, providing comprehensive explanations and innovative insights.
Proficient
3 PointsShows thorough understanding of the rock cycle, correctly explaining all major stages with clear support.
Developing
2 PointsShows basic understanding of the rock cycle with partial explanations of stages and processes.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to explain rock cycle stages and complexities, showing limited understanding.
Criterion 2
Understanding of Tectonic Movements
Evaluates students' knowledge of tectonic processes and their ability to explain these in shaping landforms.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides detailed and nuanced explanations of tectonic movements with strong evidence of processes shaping diverse landforms.
Proficient
3 PointsExplains tectonic movements and their impact on landforms with clear and supported evidence.
Developing
2 PointsGives a partial explanation of tectonic activities and their effects on Earth's surface.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to explain tectonic processes and their significance, with minimal evidence used.
Category 2
Analytical Skills
Assesses students' ability to analyze data, interpret findings, and use scientific reasoning.Criterion 1
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Measures proficiency in analyzing data and using it to draw conclusions about Earth's processes.
Exemplary
4 PointsInterprets complex data accurately and with depth, drawing insightful conclusions about geological processes.
Proficient
3 PointsAnalyzes and interprets data accurately, drawing reasonable and supported conclusions.
Developing
2 PointsProvides basic analysis and draws limited conclusions, with some data misinterpretation.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles with data analysis, providing incomplete or incorrect interpretations.
Category 3
Communication and Presentation
Evaluates effectiveness in communicating scientific concepts through different media and formats.Criterion 1
Presentation Quality
Assesses the clarity, organization, and effectiveness of presentations, including use of visual aids.
Exemplary
4 PointsDelivers an exceptional presentation with clear organization and impactful use of visuals, engaging the audience thoroughly.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents information clearly and effectively with appropriate visual aids, maintaining audience engagement.
Developing
2 PointsDelivers a presentation with basic organization and use of visuals, with some engagement challenges.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to organize and present information clearly, with ineffective use of visuals.
Reflection Prompts
End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learningQuestion 1
How has your understanding of the rock cycle evolved from the beginning to the end of this unit? What were the key insights you gained from the Crayon Rock Cycle Exploration and the associated activities?
Text
Required
Question 2
On a scale from 1 to 5, how confident do you feel about explaining the impact of tectonic plate movements on Earth's surface?
Scale
Required
Question 3
Which activity did you find most helpful in understanding how fossils and rocks can reveal Earth's geological history?
Multiple choice
Required
Options
Data collection and analysis
Using maps for distribution patterns
Interpreting data for historical plate movements
Creating reports or posters
Group discussions