Science 8
Plate Movement &
Topography
Study Guide
Enduring Understandings
Changes result from the interaction
between matter and energy.
Resource use is determined by physical and
chemical properties.
Earth is a dynamic system.
U
I can apply this target to an
unfamiliar (new) situation
9.1a
9.2a
9.3a
9.4a
9.4b
Essential Question:
Why are constructive forces so destructive?
Pangaea
transform boundary
divergent boundary
convergent boundary
mantle
crust
contour interval
F
I can apply this target to
a familiar situation
Target
Create a model to represent Earth’s layers
to include inner core, outer core, mantle,
lithosphere, asthenosphere, and crust.
Compare and evaluate Alfred Wegener’s 5
pieces of evidence supporting his theories
of continental drift and plate tectonics.
Label a map identifying the major tectonic
plates, including Eurasian, African, IndoAustralian, Pacific, North American, and
South American.
Compare the relationship between
 earthquakes
 volcanoes
 plate boundaries
Identify the types of boundaries and give
an example of what they create.
 Convergent boundary
updated 6/2010
9.8 Identify the forces and processes that shape
features of the Earth.
.
Key terms to remember:
Continental Drift Theory
Plate Tectonics Theory
Seafloor Spreading
shield volcano
composite volcano
cinder cone volcano
benchmark
Targeted Objectives:
9.1 Create a model replicating the changes in Earth’s
continents over time.
9.2 Compare and evaluate Alfred Wegener’s evidence
supporting the Theory of Continental Drift and
PlateTectonics.
9.3 Identify the major tectonic plates.
9.4 Observe and record natural events that alter Earth
such as volcanoes and earthquakes.
9.5 Evaluate a model of a landform using contour mapping.
9.6 Describe how plate tectonics causes major geolocial
events.
9.7 Relate plate tectonics to the formation of crustal
features including the process of seafloor spreading.
mid-ocean ridge
seafloor spreading
lithosphere
asthenosphere
inner/outer core
contour lines
O
I can identify the objective
target in a situation
U F O
Lesson
Layer by Layer
Alfred Wegener PPT
All Broken Up!
All Shook Up!
1
9.5a
9.5b
9.5c
9.6a
9.6b
9.7a
9.8a
Target
 Divergent boundary
 Transform boundary
Analyze the relationship between contour
mapping and a 3 demensional (3D)
landform.
Identify and define on a contour map:
 hachure lines
 benchmark
 contour line
 index contour
 contour interval
Construct a 3-D model of a mountain and
develop a contour map.
Identify the types of volcanoes:
 Shield
 Cinder Cone
 Composite
Students will describe how volcanic eruptions
occur.
Label a diagram representing historical
seafloor spreading and identify the midocean ridge.
Identify the forces and processes that
shape features of the Earth
U F O
Lesson
Mountain or Molehill
I Lava You
You Floor Me!
Under the Sea
Sample Questions:
1. Two plates that are moving away from each other are known as
a. divergent
b. convergent
c. transform
d. stationary
2. The theory of Continental Drift is accredited to
a. Albert Einstein
b. Isaac Newton
c. Alfred Wegener
d. Harry Hess
3. Seafloor spreading is a result of what kind of plate movement?
a. convergent
b. divergent
c. transform
d. conduction
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4. Another name for the molten mantel is called the
a. lithosphere
b. crust
c. asthenosphere
d. plate
5. Which of the three volcano types produced the most violent eruptions?
a. shield
b. cinder cone
c. composite
6. What causes plates to move when the warm material rises and the cool material sinks?
a. convergent currents
b. surface waves
c. convection currents
d. lava
7. What type of boundary causes earthquakes?
a. Convergent
b. Divergent
c. Transform
8. A sinkhole or depression in the land would be indicted by what feature on a topographic
map?
a. contour line
b. index contour
c. benchmark
d. hachure line
2200
2600
2768
2100
9. What is the contour interval on the map above?
a. 100
b. 150
c. 200
d. 250
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10. What is the highest and lowest point on the map above?
a. 1800 and 2600
b. 1750 and 2768
c. 1800 and 2768
d. 2100 and 2768
Sample Short Answer Questions
1. Label the diagram with the layers of the Earth.
2. List the five pieces of evidence that Wegener outlined as support for his theory on
continental drift.
3. What is the name of the instrument used to record earthquake waves?
5. This diagram was created using GIS Arc View program. According to the legend, what
specific items have been selected for this map?
6. How is the GIS diagram helpful in understanding why relationship between highly
populated areas of the United States and earthquake activity?
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Sample Essay Questions
1. What evidence do we have that the rift in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is active
and spreading?
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