EARTH'S DYNAMIC GEOSPHERE
CHAPTER 2
PLATE TECTONICS... AND YOUR COMMUNITY

This chapter deals with the history and nature of science, and in particular, about the development of understanding of the way the Earth works. In this chapter, students examine the relatively new concept of plate tectonics. Until the mid-1960s most people considered the idea that different areas of Earth’s surface moved relative to each other to be impossible. In this chapter, students will learn how and why portions of the lithosphere move, and will examine the speed of that motion. Students are expected to understand critical aspects of the flow of matter and energy within the geosphere, the nature (composition and structure) of the Earth’s interior, and how evidence, technologies, and modeling were used to develop the theory of plate tectonic. Students also investigate the results of the motion of plates, including volcanoes, earthquakes, mountain building, and other geologic activities.

• Learn how and why portions of the lithosphere move and examine the speed of that motion.
• Participate in scientific inquiry and construct logical conclusions based on evidence.
• Understand critical aspects of the flow of matter and energy within the geosphere.
• Investigate the results of the motions of plates, including volcanoes, earthquakes, mountain building, and other geologic activities.

Chapter Timeline
This chapter takes two to three weeks to complete. You may find that your students need more or less time to complete the investigations. Flexibility can be built into your schedule by manipulating what is done as homework and class activities as well as the number of the Inquiring Further activities you try.