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TODAY’S AGENDA Tuesday 12/3
FTF (Homework Out Please!)• Convection Currents Open Response and Worksheet
FTF (Homework Out Please!)• Convection Currents Open Response and Worksheet
TODAY IN SCIENCE CLASSFTF ReviewHomework Review2-column notes – Chapter 1 Section 3- powerpointIntro to Continental Drift – Alfred Wegener (questions)Pangaea Puzzle (if time – probably Tomorrow)
SWBAT Describe what continental drift is and name the scientist who came up with the theory.
Homework: NoneHomework: None
2-Column Notes
Inside Earth: Chapter 1- Plate Tectonics
Section 3: Drifting Continents
Guide For Reading
• What is continental drift?
• Why was Alfred Wegener’s theory rejected?
The Theory of Continental Drift
Pangaea
• The name of the single landmass that broke apart 200 million years ago and gave the rise to today’s continents
Continental Drift
• A hypothesis that the continents slowly move across Earth’s surface
TODAY’S AGENDA Tuesday 12/4FTF
Newspaper “Puzzle” Activity – Understanding Evidence 1. Each student has 1 piece of newspaper.2. Carefully tear the paper into 5-8 LARGE pieces.3. Pass the pieces to your partner.4. Try to assemble the “puzzle” you were given.5. What evidence did you use to put the pieces of the puzzle back together? Come up
with at least 3 things you used as evidence.
FTF Newspaper “Puzzle” Activity – Understanding Evidence 1. Each student has 1 piece of newspaper.2. Carefully tear the paper into 5-8 LARGE pieces.3. Pass the pieces to your partner.4. Try to assemble the “puzzle” you were given.5. What evidence did you use to put the pieces of the puzzle back together? Come up
with at least 3 things you used as evidence.
TODAY IN SCIENCE CLASSFTF ReviewEvidence used by Alfred Wegener - OverviewPangaea Mapping Activity2-Column Notes on Evidence (if time)Ticket Out
SWBAT Identify 3 types of evidence used by Wegener to support his theory of continental drift.
Homework: Open Response Essay for Quiz (due tomorrow!)Homework: Open Response Essay for Quiz (due tomorrow!)
What is evidence?
• Something which shows something else exists or is true.
• A visible sign of something.
Is it Evidence?Yes No Does it support the idea
that continents have moved?
1858: Geologist Eduard Seuss points out that fossils of theGlossopteris plant are found in southern Africa, South America,Australia, Antarctica, and India.
Wegener examines the location of tiny rocks and the direction ofgrooves formed by large glaciers scraping across southern areas ofAfrica, South America, Australia, Antarctica, and India. He concludesthat if all these places were fitted together, they would form acontinuous ice sheet expanding outward in all directions.
Popular Geology magazine, March 12, 1912: “Continents are so large They must always have been where they are.”
Wegener observes that a South American mountain range in Argentinalines up with an ancient African mountain range in South Africa whenthe two continents are placed together. He writes: “It is just as if wewere to refit the torn pieces of a newspaper by matching their edges andthen check whether the lines of print ran smoothly across. If they do,there is no thing left but to conclude t hat t he pieces were in fact joinedin t his way.”
Is it Evidence?Yes No Does it support the idea
that continents have moved?
1927: Geologist Alexander du Toit observes rock layers on the westerncoast of Africa in the following sequence: basalt rock, shale containingfossil reptiles, coal layers containing Glossopteris fossils, rocks containingMesosaurus fossils, and shale. He discovers an almost identicalsequence of rock layers on the eastern coast of South America.
1944: Geologist Baily Willis calls Wegener’s theory a fairy tale. Heargues that the theory should be ignored.
1965: Geologist Edward Bullard uses computers to match coasts ofSouth America and Africa. They match extremely well at an oceandepth of 1,000 meters.
Fossils of Megascolecina ear thworms are found in South America,Africa, India, and Australia, as well as the islands of Madagascarand New Guinea
1980s: Satellites and lasers are used to measure the movement of continents. They continue to move at an average of about 2 cm (0.8 in)per year.
Wegener’s Evidence
• Rock Layers• Fossils – Cynognathus– Glossopteris– Mesosaurus
• Glacial Evidence (Climate)• Landforms and Mountain Ranges• Shape of continents
Ticket Out
3 -2 – 1– 3 types of evidence used to support continental
drift.– 2 specific examples of evidence (example:
coastlines of Africa & S. America)– 1 person who came up with the theory.
TODAY’S AGENDA Friday 12/6
FTF 1. Name 3 types of evidence used by Wegener to support his theory of continental drift.2. Fossil seeds of the glossopteris plant have been found on the continents of south
America and Africa. The seeds can only travel a few miles by wind. Explain how the plant could have been in both of these places.
3. Coal deposits have been found beneath ice in Antarctica. But coal only forms in warm swamps. Use Wegener’s theory to explain how coal could be found so near the South pole.
FTF 1. Name 3 types of evidence used by Wegener to support his theory of continental drift.2. Fossil seeds of the glossopteris plant have been found on the continents of south
America and Africa. The seeds can only travel a few miles by wind. Explain how the plant could have been in both of these places.
3. Coal deposits have been found beneath ice in Antarctica. But coal only forms in warm swamps. Use Wegener’s theory to explain how coal could be found so near the South pole.
TODAY IN SCIENCE CLASSFTF ReviewHousekeeping – return midterms and discuss. Pangaea Mapping Activity2-Column Notes on Evidence – to be completed after map is done
SWBAT Identify 3 types of evidence used by Wegener to support his theory of continental drift.
Homework: Pangaea Map and Questions due MondayHomework: Pangaea Map and Questions due Monday
Pangaea Map Activity
• You will be creating a map of Pangaea based on fossil, rock, landform and glacial evidence found on present day continents.
• You will examine 4 maps of modern day Earth and transfer the data from the four maps to the Pangaea map provided.
• On the blank map you will create a key using the different colors to represent the different types of evidence from the maps.
= Rock Layers
EVIDENCE 1. ROCK LAYERS This diagram shows matching rock layers in Africa and South America. With a red colored pencil transfer this data to the map of Pangaea on the attached page. Also add to key.
South America Africa
Let’s Do One Together
Mapping Alfred’s Evidence
1. Complete Pre Activity Questions2. Map all evidence – transfer evidence from
current maps to your Pangaea map.3. Be sure to create the key for each piece of
evidence! Your key should have 6 colors and unique pieces of evidence when complete.
4. Ask Mrs. Dean to show you the answer key when you are done.
5. Answer post-lab questions.
= Rock Layers
= Rock Layers
= Cynognathus
= Rock Layers
= Cynognathus
= Glossopteris
= Rock Layers
= Cynognathus
= Glossopteris
= Mesosaurus
= Rock Layers
= Cynognathus
= Glossopteris
= Mesosaurus
= Glaciers
= Rock Layers
= Cynognathus
= Glossopteris
= Mesosaurus
= Glaciers
= Mountains
TODAY’S AGENDA Monday 12/9
FTF (Homework Out Please)Complete Pangaea Mapping Activity!
FTF (Homework Out Please)Complete Pangaea Mapping Activity!
TODAY IN SCIENCE CLASSNew BuddiesFTF ReviewPangaea Mapping Activity – Finish!2-Column Notes on EvidenceAlfred Wegener Letter Assignment
SWBAT Identify 3 types of evidence used by Wegener to support his theory of continental drift.
Homework: Rough Draft Alfred Wegener Letter Homework: Rough Draft Alfred Wegener Letter
Guide For Reading: What is Wegener’s theory of continental drift?
• Continental drift is the hypothesis that all the continents had once been joined together in a single landmass
• The continents have slowly moved apart over Earth’s surface
2-Column Notesand Graphic
Organizer
Graphic OrganizerEvidence From
Landforms
Type of Evidence Details Where is it found?
1. Evidence from Shape
2. Evidence from Landforms
3. Evidence from Fossils
4. Evidence from Climate
Evidence From Landforms
• Identical mountain ranges with matching
Evidence from Landforms
- Identical mountain ranges with matching rock layers
- Coal fields on different continents match up identically
- South America (Argentina) and South Africa- Also N. America and Europe
- South Africa and South America (Brazil)
Matching Mountain Ranges as Evidence of Continental Drift
Several mountain chains on North America and Eurasia, and South America and Africa share similar composition, structure and age.
Location of Matching Mountain Ranges
Applachian Mountains (North America)Calendonian Mountains (Eurasia)British Aisles Mountains (Eurasia)
Cape Mountain Range (Africa)Sierra Range (South America)
Figure 11: Observing: Which coastlines seem to match up like jig-saw puzzle?
• The continents of Africa and South America best match up like jigsaw-puzzle pieces
Figure 12: Inferring: According to Wegener’s theory, what does the presence of similar mountain ranges in Africa and South America indicate?
• The presence of similar mountain ranges indicates that Africa and South America were once joined.
Evidence From Fossils
Fossil
• Fossil: A trace of an organism that has been preserved in rock
Fossil Evidence of Continental DriftName Image Fossil Location
MesosaurusFresh Water Reptile
280 – 300 million years ago
Africa and South America
CynognathusPrehistoric mammal
230-240 million years ago
Africa, South America, India, Australia, Antarctica
GlossopterisFernlike Plant
250 million years old
South America, Africa, India, Antarctica, Australia
LystrosaurusFresh Water Reptile
250 million years ago
Africa, India,Antarctica
Evidence of Continental Drift
Evidence From Landforms
• Identical mountain ranges with matching
3. Evidence from Fossils
1. Mesosaurous (fresh water reptile)
1. Cynognathus (early land mammal)
1. Glossopteris (plant)
1. Lystosaurus (fresh water reptile)
-Africa and South America
-Africa, South America, India, Australia, Antarctica-South America, Africa, India, Antarctica, Australia- Africa, India,Antarctica
How did Wegener use evidence based on fossils to support his theory that the continents had moved?
• Glossopteris fossils have been found in rocks in Africa, South America, Australia, India, and Antarctica unexpectedly
• Seeds could not have travel that far over the oceans to reach other continents
Evidence From Climate
Evidence From Landforms
• Identical mountain ranges with matching
4. Evidence from Climate
1. Fossils of Tropical plants found in the Arctic Circle
2. Glacial evidence (scratches in rock)
-Island of Spitsbergen
-South Africa, South America, India, Australia and Antarctica
What two examples of climate change did Wegener use to support his theory of continental drift? • The Island of Spitsbergen (Arctic
Ocean) has evidence of tropical plants
• Deep scratches in rocks were found in South Africa, South America, India, Australia and Antarctica
• These scratches support evidence of glaciers
Glacial Evidence of Continental Drift
Large ice sheets, or glaciers, that covered parts of the earth over 250 million years ago left behind Glacial
Striations and Glacial Deposits.
Location of Glacial EvidenceSouth AmericaIndiaAfricaAustraliaAntarctica
Checkpoint: What were the three types of evidence Wegner used to support his theory of continental drift?
• Landforms
• Fossils
• Climate
Scientists Reject Wegener’s Theory
Guide For Reading: Why was Alfred Wegener’s theory rejected?
• Wegener could not provide an explanation of what force moved the continents.
• He could not identify the cause of continental drift
TODAY’S AGENDA Tuesday 12/10
FTF (Homework Out Please)1. List three types of evidence used by Wegener to support his
theory of continental drift?2. List an example of each type and where it’s found.3. Explain how this evidence supports Wegener’s theory of
continental drift.
FTF (Homework Out Please)1. List three types of evidence used by Wegener to support his
theory of continental drift?2. List an example of each type and where it’s found.3. Explain how this evidence supports Wegener’s theory of
continental drift.
TODAY IN SCIENCE CLASSFTF ReviewAlfred Wegener Letter Assignment - Write Rough DraftPeer Editing of Letter!
SWBAT Identify 3 types of evidence used by Wegener to support his theory of continental drift.
Homework: Final Draft Letter due Friday!Homework: Final Draft Letter due Friday!
Alfred Wegener Essay• Written as letter• Written to convince colleagues of Alfred
Wegener about his theory of continental drift.• Purpose is to demonstrate to me that you
understand how the evidence used by Wegener supports his theory.
• It is okay to use “I” and “my” in this writing because you are pretending to be Alfred Wegener.
• Handwritten or typed final draft okay. Due Friday.
Letter Format
• Introduction paragraph• 3 paragraphs – 1 Paragraph for each type of evidence– Paragraph MUST include where evidence is found– Paragraph MUST include how this evidence helps
explain continental drift
• Concluding Paragraph
Let’s Start with the IntroExample Introduction
Dear Fellow Scientists,
My name is Alfred Wegener. I have discovered something I think you will find somewhat unbelievable. I call my theory Continental Drift. It is the idea that at one point the continents were all joined together in one giant landmass called Pangaea. I have identified three types of evidence to prove my theory: fossils, climate change, and landforms. In this letter I will describe how I believe these three types of evidence prove my theory.
.
Write your introductionDear Fellow Scientists,
1. State who you are (Alfred Wegener)– My name is Alfred Wegener.
2. Explain and define what theory you have discovered (Continental Drift and Pangaea)– I think you will find somewhat unbelievable. I call my theory
Continental Drift. It is the idea that at one point the continents were all joined together in one giant landmass called Pangaea.
3. Tell the reader what evidence you used (just list the 3).– I have identified three types of evidence to prove my theory:
fossils, climate change, and landforms.
Now You Try! Write your introduction
Let’s Write A Paragraph for Evidence
Example Paragraph 2Evidence from fossils supports my theory. For example, Glossopteris fossils have been found in rocks in Africa, South America, Australia, India, and Antarctica. The seeds from this plant are too heavy to travel by air or bird, and too fragile to travel by the ocean. This means the only way fossils from this plant could be located on more than one continent is that they were once connected. Another fossil, the Mesosaurus, were found in South America and Africa. These animals were a freshwater animal that could not swim in salt water, so they could not have swam from one continent to another. Therefore, the only explanation for them to be able is that those continents were once connected.
Evidence Paragraphs (2-4)
1. Write what the evidence is.– Evidence from fossils supports my theory.
2. Write the details of the evidence– For example, Glossopteris fossils have been found in
rocks in Africa, South America, Australia, India, and Antarctica.
3. How does evidence connects to continental drift?– The seeds from this plant are too heavy to travel by air or
bird, and too fragile to travel by the ocean. This means the only way fossils from this plant could be located on more than one continent is that the continents were once connected.
Example paragraph 2A second reason supporting my theory is the landforms found on continents. Mountain ranges in Argentina align perfectly with a mountain range in South Africa. The rock layers of these mountain ranges is identical, suggesting they were formed at the same time and in the same exact way. The only way to explain this would be that the continents were connected when the mountain range was forming. I like to think of these matching features as a torn-up newspaper. If I put the pieces back together, the “words” would line up perfectly.
Example Paragraph 4The final reason supporting Pangaea is evidence of climate change in certain places in the world. Tropical plant fossils have been found on the island of Spitsbergen. Spitsbergen is located in the Arctic, and the current climate in is cold and harsh. The tropical plant fossils indicate that at one point Spitsbergen had a hot, tropical climate. Also, deep scratches found in rocks of South Africa indicate that glaciers once covered the land. But South Africa’s climate today is too mild and warm for glaciers to exist. So how is this possible? When Pangaea existed South Africa was much closer to the South Pole and had a cold climate. These drastic climate changes happened because of continental drift. When the continents came together Spitsbergen was closer to the equator making it mild and warm, and Africa was further south, causing it to become colder.
Conclusion – Paragraph 5
Although I cannot tell you the force that causes continental drift, the evidence is very clear and points to one conclusion: that the continents were once all connected. Thank you for your time, and I hope you seriously consider accepting my theory of continental drift.
Sincerely,Alfred Wegener
Write A Conclusion
• Restate the evidence– Although I cannot tell you the force that causes
continental drift, the evidence from fossils, landforms and climate is very clear and points to one conclusion: that the continents were once all connected.
• Ask for your theory to be accepted– Thank you for your time, and I hope you seriously
consider accepting my theory of continental drift.
