A set of first grade geology lessons focuses on plate tectonics and movement of plate boundaries. During the pre-lab, learners experience three types of plate movement through a kinesthetic demonstration. The lab demonstrates stresses that happen at plate boundaries in a water and flour experiment. Lastly, the post-lab introduces first graders to continental drift and the idea that plate motions allow the continents to move.

Concepts

plate tectonics, plate movement, plate boundaries

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Include terms such as continents, converge, crust, diverge, plate boundaries, transform, slip, and slide to a word wall
• Have class members use maps to find other patterns that show continents that once fit together

Classroom Considerations

• The third lesson in a series of four about the plate tectonics cycle
• Have class members refer to page 4 in the workbook for this portion
• Set up materials for the experiment prior to implementing in the class

Pros

• Includes a student workbook for the entire unit
• Each activity is engaging and hands-on

Cons

• Some of the concepts may be too advanced for first graders

Common Core

SL.1.1.a SL.1.2 SL.1.3 SL.1.4