Name: _____________________
Development of the Theory of Plate Tectonics
Purpose: To recognize the progression of scientific knowledge through the Theory of Plate Tectonics.
Learning Targets:
1.) What experimental and observational evidence led to and supports the Theory of Plate Tectonics?
2.) How and why are the theories like Plate Tectonics continually tested, validated and revised? You
must cite at examples from at least one other theory in science.
3.) How do scientists and engineers communicate, justify and defend research?
Products: Each group will be assigned a significant advancement in the Theory of Plate Tectonics. Your
task will be to become an expert in one component that led to the theory.
(contribution you will be researching)
There will be a group product and an individual product. Each group will create a poster including the
following information:
1.) Reflect key pieces of that contribution
2.) Time period this study/research took place
3.) Significant events in history were taking place during that time. For example, consider
technological advancements, societal turmoil, or economic shifts.
4.) Any other important and relevant information specific to the advancement
5.) Justify and defend the research as a contribution to the Theory of Plate Tectonics.
Name: _____________________
Each group will add their poster to the class flow map in chronological order. After that is complete
then each individual will write an essay answering the following questions:
1.) What three pieces of evidence were the most helpful to the theory of plate tectonics? Why?
2.) How and why are the theories like Plate Tectonics continually tested, validated and revised?
The space below is reserved for a rough draft of your essay. Final copy must be typed.
Name: _____________________
POSTER
Summary of
contribution
(8)
Time period
(2)
Connections
to historical
events
identified
(3)
Relevance of
Historical
events
(3)
Information
clearly relates to
the main topic. It
includes at least
four supporting
details and
examples
(8/8)
Information
clearly relates to
the main topic. It
provides 2-3
supporting details
and/or examples.
Correctly
identifies time
period
(2/2)
Three connections
identified &
explained
Incorrectly
identifies time
period
(1/2)
(0/2)
Two connections
One connection
Fails to identify
identified &
identified &
connections
explained
explained
(3/3)
All three historical
events are
relevant &
correctly
explained
(3/3)
Summary
statement clearly
and correctly
shows how the
research
contributes to the
overall theory
(7/8)
(6/8)
(2/3)
Two historical
events are
relevant &
correctly
explained
(2/3)
Justification
Summary
and defense
statement
(3)
correctly and
somewhat clearly
shows how the
research
contributes to the
overall theory
(3/3)
(2/3)
Visual
The poster is
The poster is
presentation attractive in terms acceptably
(3)
of design, layout
attractive though
and neatness.
it may be a bit
messy.
(3/3)
(2/3)
Total ( ___/22)
Information
somewhat relates
to the main topic.
It provides 2-3
supporting details
and/or examples.
Information
Poster is not
does not relate
complete
to the main
topic or fails to
provide
supporting
details and/or
(4/8) examples.
(2/8)
(0/8)
Fails to identify
time period
(1/3)
One historical
event are relevant
& correctly
explained
(0/3)
Fails to explain
relevance of
historical events
(1/3)
(0/3)
Summary is
Summary is not
included but is not included
clear or correct
(1/3)
(0/3)
The poster is
The poster is
distractingly messy not completed.
or very poorly
designed. It is not
attractive.
(1/3)
(0/3)
Name: _____________________
ESSAY
Evidence #1
(3)
Evidence #2
(3)
Evidence #3
(3)
Theories
tested
(2)
Theories
validated
(2)
Theories
revised
(2)
Reason for choosing
evidence was clearly
supported
Reason for choosing
evidence was
supported, but
reasoning was
unclear or incorrect.
Evidence was chosen
but no logical
support was given
No evidence was
identified
(3/3)
(2/3)
(1/3)
(0/3)
Reason for choosing Reason for choosing
Evidence was chosen No evidence was
evidence was clearly evidence was
but no logical
identified
supported
supported, but
support was given
reasoning was
unclear or incorrect.
(3/3)
(2/3)
(1/3)
(0/3)
Reason for choosing Reason for choosing
Evidence was chosen No evidence was
evidence was clearly evidence was
but no logical
identified
supported
supported, but
support was given
reasoning was
unclear or incorrect.
(3/3)
Essay clearly explains
both how and why
theories are continually
tested
(2/2)
Essay clearly explains
both how and why
theories are continually
validated
(2/2)
Essay clearly explains
both how and why
theories are continually
revised
(2/2)
Total ( ___/15)
FINAL TOTAL ( _____ / 37)
(2/3)
(1/3)
(0/3)
Essay clearly explained either
Essay did not explain how or
how or why theories are
why theories are continually
continually tested, but not both tested
(1/2)
Essay clearly explained either
how or why theories are
continually validated, but not
both
(1/2)
Essay clearly explained either
how or why theories are
continually revised, but not
both
(1/2)
(0/2)
Essay did not explain how or
why theories are continually
validated
(0/2)
Essay did not explain how or
why theories are continually
revised
(0/2)