This month the students will be embarking on a study of the tectonic processes constantly taking place on the surface of the Earth. They will study the layers of the Earth, and the way that heat from the Earth's core powers convection currents in the mantle which in turn move the crustal plates across the surface of the planet. We will explore how these plates behave based on rock type, density, and the push-pull of convection processes. We will also investigate the various landforms and events that are produced, for instance mountains, volcanos and earthquakes. At the end of this month will be the final project of the year: the landform project which is an assigned topic on the landforms of the Mediterranean Sea region (relating to Gods and Goddesses-English) and includes a formal presentation of the research. We will wrap up the month with studies of soil formation and the organic/living things that help produce it.
In the space below I will do my best to keep you informed about my classroom expectations, upcoming projects and materials, homework assignments, the Science Notebook Contents, downloadable worksheets, and study guides.
If you have any comments or questions for me, please email a message to me (its the best and most direct means of communication to reach me) and I will respond as soon as possible. If you are absent it may be possible at times to download the homework assignment and worksheets (if any). If you are not feeling well enough to do your homework, I will always accept it when you can get it done!
Week of 5/14 through 5/18:
This week we were studying Continental Drift and Sea-Floor Spreading (I.E., Chap. 1, Sections 3 & 4). We will be having a I.E. Chapter 1, Section 3 & 4 Knowing Check on Tuesday (5/22). On Wednesday we will begin looking at tectonic plates and on Friday we will have a tectonic plate quiz (just like Mr. Gow's map quizzes).
Click for a copy of the Drifting Continents Note Sheet Sea-Floor Spreading Note Sheet
In I.E. Chap 1, you should study:
Section 3: Drifting Continents
Section 4: Sea-Floor Spreading
Section 1: Earth's Interior and Section 2: Convection in the Mantle are also fair game (the concepts more than the details)
Click here for a copy of the study guide: SFS Study Guide and also the InsideEarthStudyGuide
Click here to view the Sea-Floor Spreading PowerPoint:
SFS Explained PowerPoint
Click here to view the Inside Earth/Convection in the Mantle PowerPoint:
Heat Transfer PPT
Use the Quizlet below to help you to prepare.
Remember to review your area of expertise: your GeoTime PowerPoint to prepare for you open response. It will be a general question and I will expect you to use examples to support your opinion. Knowing the evidence will give you confidence.
(If you are having trouble: I have found a free PowerPoint Viewer from Microsoft. It allows you to view and even print PowerPoint presentations, but not to edit them. This should work for anyone who does no have Microsoft Office on their computer. Give it a try - Click the link below and follow directions to download. PowerPoint Viewer Download)
