Summative Project on Earthquakes

Your project for this unit is to incorporate all the information we have researched and discussed into a Google Tour of plate tectonics.   You will need to include information on where earthquakes happens, types of boundaries, and the differences between places and faults.  Information about evidence for plate tectonics must accompany what   This means you'll need some work to identify WHERE you are going and then travel there.   An audio narrative will accompany this work, and identification of specific information is expected.

How will we grade this?   We'll brainstorm a rubric in class together, and it will be posted.

Week 2, Unit 1

We've all done a lot of work on research, but science is about EVIDENCE in a variety of ways.  That means we need to do something that will allow us to measure what is going on when an earthquake occurs.  For this series of tasks, you need to keep a data sheet, with tables, for your table.  A separate data sheet is needed for each task.  A data sheet will include the name of the task, your group members, information written in tables, and questions.   If you want, you may do this using a word processor like Google Docs.  That way you can share the information with me without worrying about losing paper.

Task 5:   P vs. S waves.   You will be creating P and S waves, and making observations to compare the two wave types.  Fill out this data sheet.

Task 6: Slip-strike motion.   You will need to use a block of wood, and rubber bands, and a surface that allows intermittent (step-by-step) motion to do this activity.   Ask your teacher to demonstrate if you need help.  Your data will be observations, PLUS the six quiz questions at that bottom.

Task 7:  Evidence for plate tectonics.   Print this page and highlight what is important about it.   Now, create a model (that would be a puzzle, a 3d diagram, a playdoh structure, or what the activity asks of you) that shows me you understand fossil distribution, paleomagnetism, and tectonic supercontinents

Task 8:  On Friday, please bring a package of m&ms or skittles and a package of mini marshmallows.  We will be using them for a class activity on Monday.

Unit 1, Week 1, Disasters in Iowa

Your goal during the first three days is to make sure all of you will know how to do the following tasks.   Students who feel ready to be assessed for understanding need to see ::mapowell:: Don't worry if you aren't working on the same task as others.   Your group knows what you need.
My goal is to help as needed.  You don't need a babysitter, but you may need some help in figuring out where to start and how to deal with confusion.   Help one another and listen when I try to help you. 




Task 1  Learning about Landforms

We really need to get a start by looking at the bits and pieces that plate tectonics have caused in the world in order to understand Iowa.   Upon completion, you should be able to make a map of Iowa and surrounding states and label the nearest plate, as well as 20 landform pieces. (no, not 20 different landform pieces...Iowa doesn't have any mesas that I know about)

Task 2 Heat Transfer

We need to look at heat transfer as a way that weather moves and energy inside the earth moves.   Take a look at the questions being asked here to see if you understand what is happening.

Task 3 Earthquakes and the Midwest.   We need to take a look at what our chances our of getting a sizable quake in the area in which we live.  To do this, you will need to do some research, starting with the information found here and here.  Map the Earthquake fault zones on your diagram from Task 1, shading in the impact zone.  As you look through this information, you will need to start deciding what you believe to be true and what you believe to be false, because there is conflicting information.  Does heat transfer matter in earthquakes?  If so, how does it matter?  Do land form types affect whether or not an earthquake occurs(compare with other earthquake zones around the world)?  Do plate tectonics matter for earthquakes or volcanoes in all cases? Do you have strong evidence to support your viewpoint?  By Wednesday, you need to have a poster or digital representation of your ideas that is visible from a distance of 3 feet or greater.

The science of plate tectonics

Exactly HOW is plate tectonics related to the world we live in?

Your goal will be to find a series of plate tectonics links that tell me information about the following

• boundaries
• converging plates
• diverging plates
• transform faults
• US fault lines
• volcanos
• tsunami

  WAIT, WAIT! This is not a 5 minute assignment. You want each link to be readable (you'll need to interpret it), validated (meaning that is wasn't written by a nut, but by someone with expertise in the area), with rich graphics (for visual learners) and for each one, we'll need to create an explanation of HOW it relates to plate tectonics. Links and explanations must be shared among group members as a google doc, and ultimately shared with your teacher

What are we doing in this class? Project-Based Learning