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MIDDLE SCHOOL TASK

crack in earth's crust

Driving Phenomenon: The locations of the fossils of Kanneymeyeria show an interesting pattern: the same fossil was once together and is now found on several different continents. Students try to explain this pattern.

Download All Task Documents (.ZIP -8MB)
Task Overview (.PDF – 386KB)
Student Version (.DOC – 3MB)
Teacher Guide (.PPT – 4MB)
Student Evidence Collection Sheet (.DOC- 500KB)

Tennessee Academic Standards for Science and Next Generation Science Standards Learning Targets

Tennessee Academic Standards for Science

  • 8.ESS2.5: Construct a scientific explanation using data that explains the gradual process of plate tectonics accounting for (A) the distribution of fossils on different continents, (B) the occurrence of earthquakes, and (C) continental and ocean floor features (including mountains, volcanoes, faults, and trenches).

Next Generation Science Standards

  • Disciplinary Core Ideas
    ESS2.B: Plate Tectonics and Large-Scale System Interactions

    • Middle School Element: Maps of ancient land and water patterns, based on investigations of rocks and fossils, make clear how Earth’s plates have moved great distances, collided, and spread apart.
  • Science and Engineering Practices
    Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

    • Middle School Element: Apply scientific ideas, principles, and/or evidence to construct, revise and/or use an explanation for real-world phenomena, examples, or events.

    Analyzing and Interpreting Data

    • Middle School Element: Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for phenomena.
  • Crosscutting Concepts
    Patterns

    • Middle School Element: Graphs, charts, and images can be used to identify patterns in data.
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The Tennessee District Science Network was funded by Arconic Foundation.

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