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Essential Question
What question will guide the project and learning?
Community Partners
What organizations and individuals will collaborate and enhance the learning experience?
Reflection
What opportunities are there for us to reflect on our academic and socio-emotional development?
Assessment
In what ways can we demonstrate what we have learned and how we have grown?
Exhibition
How and who will we celebrate our learning with?
Project Launch
What shared experiences will engage us in the content, skills, and mindsets of the project?
Core Content
What will we need to learn and practice in order to engage in the project?
Critique and Revision
How will opportunities for feedback and refinement be embedded in the project?
Product
What will we make, build, or do that will have an impact on us or the world around us?
Next
What question will guide the project and learning?

(1) How do the movements of tectonic plates contribute to the formation of various geological features, and what evidence can we find to support these processes?
(2) How can understanding tectonic boundaries help us predict and mitigate the impacts of natural disasters like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions?
(3) What are the connections between Earth's internal layers and the movement of tectonic plates?
(4) How do tectonic processes shape the Earth's surface and influence the occurrence of geological disasters?

    Design for Mastery Kit
    NEW
High School Grade  Project 3 weeks

Shake, Rattle, and Plate Tectonics!

Jaylin C
HS-ESS2-1
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Content Expertise
+ 1 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to immerse high school students in the dynamic world of tectonic processes and Earth's interior through hands-on exploration and real-world applications. By investigating geological features and disasters, students will develop critical thinking skills and deepen their understanding of Earth's systems. The project encourages self-directed learning, fostering a sense of identity and belonging as students collaborate and communicate their findings. Through creating models and engaging in reflective discussions, students will connect scientific concepts to their own lives and communities, preparing them to address complex environmental challenges.

Learning goals

Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of tectonic processes and Earth's internal structure, focusing on the movement and interaction of tectonic plates. They will gain skills in modeling geological features and analyzing the impact of these processes on natural disasters. Through hands-on activities, students will enhance their critical thinking, self-directed learning, and effective communication by engaging in peer discussions, creating models, and presenting their findings. The project aims to deepen students' content expertise and academic mindset by connecting scientific concepts to real-world applications and community relevance.
Standards
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] HS-ESS2-1 - Develop a model to illustrate how Earth's internal and surface processes operate at different spatial and temporal scales to form continental and ocean-floor features.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.

Products

Students will create dynamic dioramas that illustrate the movement of tectonic plates and the formation of geological features, incorporating interactive elements to simulate earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Additionally, they will construct detailed 3D models of Earth's layers and tectonic plates using materials like clay or papier-mâché, showcasing the interaction and impact of these plates on geological features. These creations will be presented during the 'Plate Tectonics Gallery Walk,' where students will guide visitors through their research and models, demonstrating their understanding of tectonic processes and their effects on Earth's surface.

Launch

Kick off the project with a 'Geological Detective Hunt' where students embark on an interactive exploration around the school or classroom. They'll uncover hidden clues and facts about Earth's layers and tectonic processes, fostering curiosity and critical thinking. This immersive activity sets the stage for deeper inquiry into how tectonic movements shape our planet and impact geological features.

Exhibition

Students will transform the classroom into a 'Plate Tectonics Gallery Walk,' where they showcase their 3D models and research on tectonic processes. Each student will present their findings on large posters, guiding visitors through the evidence of plate movements and their effects on Earth's surface. The exhibition will include interactive elements, such as movable parts in dioramas, to simulate geological features like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, fostering an engaging and informative experience for peers, teachers, and community members.
Learning Journey
Project Activities
Days 1 - 15
Milestone Activities
No activities have been added to this phase yet.

Edit Phase

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Plan
Week 1
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Phase
Project Activities
Activities
Project Launch: Geological Detective Hunt
Activity 45m
Hands-On Model Activity
Activity 25m
Simulating Plate Movements
Activity 30m
Reflection Session
Activity 15m
Exploring Geological Features
Activity 25m
Team Collaboration
Activity 20m
Group Presentations
Activity 30m
Feedback and Reflection
Activity 15m
Preparation
Week 2
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Phase
Project Activities
Activities
Analyzing Geological Disasters
Activity 30m
Reflection and Discussion
Activity 15m
Building 3D Models of Earth's Layers
Activity 45m
Interactive Tectonic Plate Simulation
Activity 30m
Peer Feedback Session
Activity 15m
Designing Dynamic Dioramas
Activity 45m
Diorama Construction and Testing
Activity 30m
Reflection and Goal Setting
Activity 15m
Preparation
Week 3
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Phase
Project Activities
Activities
Finalizing Diorama Elements
Activity 25m
Peer Review and Feedback
Activity 20m
Preparing for Gallery Walk
Activity 45m
Plate Tectonics Gallery Walk
Activity 30m
Reflection and Feedback
Activity 15m
Analyzing Feedback and Setting Goals
Activity 20m
Connecting Concepts to Real-World Applications
Activity 25m
Project Reflection and Self-Assessment
Activity 30m
Celebrating Learning Achievements
Activity 15m
Preparation
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