Lesson Plan

Title:

The Ring of Fire

Guiding/Essential Question:

The following questions range between lower and higher order questions that spark knowledge and encourage thought beyond the text.

Where is the Ring of Fire?

Why is it called the Ring of Fire?

What do trenches and mountain ranges have to do with the Ring of Fire and plate tectonics?

What does the Ring of Fire have to do with plate tectonics?

What events on the Earth's surface tend to occur in this region more frequently than in other regions of the Earth? Why do they occur here?

What happened off the coast of Japan in March 2011?

What safeguards are being implemented in Japan against other tectonic/oceanic hazards?

Time: 

This unit will take place in class over a period of 2, 60 minute sessions.  Additional time will be required for homework and extensions activities offered in the amount of 2-3 additional hours depending on the type of extension provided or the amount of work not completed in class due to unforeseen circumstances.  

Introduction/Rationale:

Becoming educated in physical science – specifically the study of plate tectonics and volcanic events, requires an understanding of the theory of plate tectonics and the Earth's geological history. In this lesson, students will learn more about these concepts as they investigate the region known as the Ring of Fire, where 75% of the Earth's active and dormant volcanos are located.

Connection to Classwork Study/Content

The connection between the content of this mini unit and our classwork is through the study of hot spots beneath the ocean and the creation of/cause of the shifting of plates on the ocean floor.  Due to this activity, specifically volcanic activity beneath the ocean surface, plates shift and create tsunamis which are an effect of this activity.  

Learners:

Grade:  8th

Standards/Objectives:

UT- Utah Core Curriculum Standards (2013)

Content Area: Earth is a dynamic planet. Processes that change Earth's surface operated in the past much as they do today. Evidence of past surface and climatic changes are indicated in the rock and fossil records. Rocks are composed of minerals. Rocks and minerals cycle through processes that change their form.

Several processes contribute to the changing of Earth’s surface. Earth’s surface is changed by heat flowing from Earth's hot interior toward the cooler surface and by atmospheric processes. Earth’s surface can change abruptly through volcanoes and earthquakes. Earth’s surface can change gradually through mountain building, weathering, erosion, and deposition. Small changes that repeatedly occur over very long time periods can add up to major changes in Earth’s surface.

Standard:  Students will understand the processes of rock and fossil formation.