Patterns in Data · Term 3

Constructing Scatter Plots

Constructing scatter plots for bivariate measurement data to observe patterns.

About This Topic

Plate Tectonics explores the revolutionary theory that Earth's outer shell is divided into several large plates that glide over the mantle. Students investigate the evidence for continental drift, such as fossil matches across oceans and the 'jigsaw' fit of the continents. This topic is a cornerstone of the Earth and Space Systems strand in the Ontario curriculum.

Students also learn about the driving forces behind plate movement, specifically convection currents in the mantle. This understanding explains the formation of mountains, ocean trenches, and the changing face of our planet over millions of years. This topic comes alive when students can physically model the patterns of plate movement using hands-on simulations of tectonic boundaries.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: The Pangea Puzzle

Groups are given cut-outs of the continents with fossil and rock type clues. They must reconstruct the supercontinent Pangea based on the evidence, rather than just the shapes.

⏱ 40 min·Small Groups

Generate mission

Simulation Game: Snack Tectonics

Using crackers (crust) and icing (mantle), students model convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries. They observe what happens to the 'crust' as they move the plates in different directions.

⏱ 45 min·Small Groups

Generate mission

Think-Pair-Share: The Future Map

Students look at current plate movement rates. They discuss in pairs where they think the continents will be in 50 million years and draw their predicted 'Future Earth' map.

⏱ 25 min·Pairs

Generate mission

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Students often think that tectonic plates float on a literal ocean of liquid magma.

What to Teach Instead

Teachers should clarify that the mantle is mostly solid but behaves like a very thick plastic over long periods. Using the analogy of 'silly putty' in a think-pair-share helps students understand this complex state of matter.

Common Misconception

Many believe that the continents move very quickly.

What to Teach Instead

It is important to explain that plates move at about the same rate as fingernails grow. A collaborative activity where students calculate how far a plate moves in a human lifetime helps put this geological time into perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the theory of plate tectonics?

It is the scientific theory that Earth's lithosphere is broken into several large plates that move over the asthenosphere, driven by convection currents in the mantle.

What evidence supports continental drift?

Evidence includes the fit of the continental coastlines, matching fossil records across different continents, similar rock formations on separate landmasses, and ancient climate data like glacial marks in tropical areas.

How can active learning help students understand plate tectonics?

Active learning, such as 'snack tectonics' or puzzle-building, allows students to visualize the slow and massive movements of the Earth. By physically manipulating 'plates,' they see the direct relationship between movement and geological features like mountains or trenches. This student-centered approach makes the abstract concept of geological time and planetary change much more accessible.

What happens at a convergent boundary?

At a convergent boundary, two plates move toward each other. This can result in one plate sliding under another (subduction), creating volcanoes and trenches, or the two plates crumpling to form mountain ranges.

Browse curriculum by country

• Americas
• US
• CA
• MX
• CL
• CO
• BR

• Europe
• UK
• IE
• FR
• DE
• ES
• IT
• NL
• PT
• SE

• Asia & Pacific
• IN
• SG
• AU