The History of Continental Drift
Geology · Year 10 · The Dynamic Earth and Plate Tectonics · 1.º Período

The History of Continental Drift

Tracing the historical paradigm shift from Wegener's continental drift to modern plate tectonics. Pupils will evaluate the fossil and geological evidence that convinced the scientific community.

National Curriculum Attainment TargetsEduqas GCSE Geology, Key Idea 3: Global Tectonics (Development of plate tectonic theory)National Curriculum in England: Science KS4, Working scientifically - The development of scientific thinking

About This Topic

Tracing the historical paradigm shift from Wegener's continental drift to modern plate tectonics. Pupils will evaluate the fossil and geological evidence that convinced the scientific community.

Key Questions

  1. What evidence did Alfred Wegener use to propose continental drift?
  2. How did palaeomagnetism confirm sea-floor spreading?
  3. Why was Wegener's theory initially rejected by society?

More in The Dynamic Earth and Plate Tectonics

Earth's Structure and the Lithosphere

An introduction to the compositional layers of the Earth and the mechanical behaviour of the lithosphere. Pupils will map how these layers interact to drive surface processes.

2 methodologies

Tectonic Hazards and Human Settlements

Investigating the social and historical impacts of earthquakes and volcanoes on human populations. Pupils will analyse historic case studies to understand hazard mitigation.

2 methodologies