Introduction What evidence from geological studies of Earth and other planets suggest that early Earth is much different from Earth today? How does continental drift support evolution? How did Scientists develop the theory of fossil evidence? In early 1915, the German scientist Alfred Wegener developed a theory that the continents once formed a giant supercontinent that he called Pangaea. He speculated that Earth took this form about 245 million years ago, during the Triassic period of the Mesozoic era. (The Mesozoic is the era in which dinosaurs lived.) It is now your turn to use scientific evidence to support the theory of continental drift and incorporate fossil evidence to the theory of Pangaea.

Learning goals Students will: 1. identify the various scientists involved in discovering the theory of continental drift. 2. apply the fossil evidence to support how Pangaea, plate tectonics, and the theory of Continental Drift link together to explain the evolution of Earth from its older stages to its current form. 3. reinforce their understanding of the lesson by presenting a power point presentation which demonstrates an accurate interpretation of the materials presented 4. understand basic terminology as it relates to Evolution and the theories discussed.

Homework This is an assignment that is made accessible online. Worksheet

Requirements 1. Students will work in teams of 4 to compile a chapter in a childrens book on continental drift. 2. Each group is to research their own topic on fossil evidence (e.g. glacial striations, animal fossils, magnetic directionality, topographical evidence) or on scientific contributors to this theory and subjected to teacher approval. (See the Helpful Links box on this webpage for suggested resources to start your research) (steps 1 & 2 due in 1 week) 3. Each chapter is to consist of an illustration/picture on each page, 5 vocabulary words throughout the chapter, and a total of 800 word maximum or 5 pages. Please cite any necessary illustrations or statements. 4. Each page of the chapter must be on a regular sheet of paper (8 1/2 X 11) and duplicable. 5. At presentations, each group is to produce handouts of their chapter for the class and read their chapter to the class. (step 5 will be due in 2 weeks)

Helpful Links Glossary Background Info on Continental Drift USGS Historial Perspective Continental Drift Definition

Assessment The rubric is provided to understand what is expected for this assignment. Please follow the rubric in order to achieve the best possible grade. In addition, there is a student evaluation sheet available to preview prior to presentation. Grading Rubric Student Peer Evaluation

Thinking skills Students will have a basic understanding of how to collect evidence to support a scientific hypothesis and develop a theory. The challenge in this assignment is to gather and understand the information and break it down into simpler terms to present to the rest of the class in a childrens book. Through research students will investigate sources and are required to discriminate between what is relevant, question their own understanding, and organize their research. This requires students to apply their understanding of continental drift in order to choose and evaluate their selected topic.

California State Biology Standards 1c. Students know the evidence from geological studies of Earth and other planets suggests that the early Earth was different from Earth today. 3a. Students know features of the ocean floor (magnetic patterns, age, and sea-floor topography) provide evidence of plate tectonics.

Examples of student work Examples that illustrate what is expected with both GOOD examples and with POOR examples of misconceptions or mistakes to avoid. Note: When viewing the examples please download and then open) Good Example Poor Example

Accomodations Resource Student: A time extension will be permitted (if necessary) for the powerpoint presentation. In addition, more visual aids will be presented in class to help focus and learn the material better. Gifted Student: One extra reference for the powerpoint presentation must be from a college level textbook.