Plate Tectonics Webquest

This webquest activity has been designed to be completed over the course of one week, or five (six) class sessions.  Please use the website links provided, or any others you would like, to answer the questions listed below. You will find that  the questions have been grouped in an effort to pair them with their recommended website link to search for the answers.

Once you have done enough searching to form a detailed and well thought out answer, use your computer's word processor (Microsoft Word) to type out the answer in paragraph form.  

Every answer should include the following information:
  • a well thought out, well written paragraph that answers the question completely
  • a picture, link to an animation, or a link to a video that illustrates your answer
  • the url(s) or web address(es) of the website(s) that the information and graphics have come from
Important reminders:
  • plagiarism will not be tolerated - Copied materials will earn a zero on the entire project
  • remember to save your work often to prevent lost material
  • use your time wisely - you have five days (or six class periods) until this work is due without exception
When you finish the questions, save your document and attach it in an e-mail to your teacher from your school e-mail account to theirs.
 



                                                                                                                                         

Introduction

 Almost all of the processes that shape our Earth are effected by what is going on deep under the crust. The constant explosion of volcanos  is evidence that the inside of the Earth is not just solid rock.  Further evidence can be found by looking at the inch by inch expansion of the Atlantic Ocean, and the subtle growth of the tallest mountains. 





                                                                                                                                                             

Task

As residents of Earth, it is our responsibility to know how this world works. Fortunately, scientists for years have been studying it and many have put their results on the internet. For your task, search the internet using the links provided and any sites that you find yourself to answer the following questions. Remember, as a resident of Earth it is your responsibility to know how Earth works, and how to live with this dynamic planet. At the completion of this web quest you should be able to: 
  • Explain the theory of plate tectonics
  • Indicate some of the evidence that supports the theory of plate tectonics
  • Explain how plate tectonics has shaped the surface of the Earth
  • Determine what kind of plate boundary a given location has
  • Describe the driving force for plate movement
  • Explain some of the ways that plate tectonics affect humanity




                                         

Questions
 
1. What evidence did Alfred Wagner use to support his theory of continental drift?
2. Why do you think people didn't believe continental drift theory when Wagner first explained it?
3. Who were the two scientists that brought forth supporting evidence to Wagner's theory, and what was their evidence?
(Recommended link for questions 1-3) Alfred Wagner
(Cool animation) Continental Drift





                                         

Questions
 
4. What are the three different types of plate boundaries, describe each type?
5. Give an example of a location on Earth where each type of plate boundary is present.
6. What are the three different types of convergent plate boundaries?
7. Give an example of a location on Earth where each type of convergent plate boundaries occurs.
8. Explain what plate tectonics and ocean trenches have in common?
(Recommended link for questions 4-8) Plate boundaries
 




                                         

Questions
 
9. How old are the rocks off the east coast of North America relative to the rocks right along the mid Atlantic ridge, why do you think this is the case?
(Recommended link for question 9) Sea-floor spreading
 




                                        

Questions
 
10. What is a convection current or cell, describe how it works (use a picture if you want)?
11. What are the two main sources of heat inside the Earth?
(Recommended link for questions 10-11) Convection
 




                                    

Questions
   
12. What types of tectonic forces create mountains?
13. What are horsts and grabens, and where can they be found?
14. Describe how the mountains across the Utah and Nevada were formed?
(Recommended link for questions 12-14) Mountain building
 




                                       

Questions
 
15. What are two bad things that can happen as a result of plate tectonics, how did plate tectonics cause these events?
16. What are three good things that plate tectonics provide for humans, how do plate tectonics provide these things?
(Recommended link for questions 15-16) Humans and Plate Tectonics





                                       

Conclusion

It is fascinating to think how unique our planet is. As scientists have figured out how dynamic our world is, we find ourselves dependant on the unforeseen and immensely powerful forces at play far beneath the Earth's surface. Everything from the water we drink to the air we breathe can be related back to tectonic forces. Yet, as you discovered during your web quest there are still many unanswered questions. As we learn more and are able to answer these questions we will be able to improve humanities ability to live in harmony with the world around us. As you have seen, many of the natural disasters that plagues humanity such as: volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis, are all a function of the inner workings of our planet. In fact even the weather that we have can be quickly and drastically change, should the Earth innards become active. Being able to predict and live with these events is the task given to you as the future scientists. As the puzzle of plate tectonics and the movement of the Earth are better understood the quality of life on Earth will improve.



                                                                                 
**REMINDER**
 
Now that you have answered questions 1-16, proofread your work, save it one final time, and attach it in an e-mail to your teacher from your school e-mail account to theirs.
Schoool E-mail Login