Plate Tectonics 5E NGSS Science Unit Plan
$9.90
This Plate Tectonics 5E Science Unit Plan is an inquiry-based unit where students learn about how the processes that cause plate movement and resulting features.. The unit includes three parts for each of the 5E’s (Engage, Explore, Explain, Extend, and Evaluate) and more.
This Plate Tectonics 5E Science Unit Plan is an inquiry-based unit where students learn about how the processes that cause plate movement and resulting features. The unit includes three parts for each of the 5E’s (Engage, Explore, Explain, Extend, and Evaluate) and more.
KEY CONCEPTS IN THIS PLATE TECTONICS UNIT INCLUDE
- How tectonic features are often found in predictable places on maps
- How tectonic plates affect Earth’s features
- Processes that cause plate movement
Included in this Plate Tectonics Science Resource
- Teacher Notes that provide an overview of the resource and an explanation of the NGSS standard for Plate Tectonics
- Common Misconceptions about the Plate Tectonics
- Teaching Timeline available with four different options, including a correlation with the Fourth Grade Science Stations
- Vocabulary Cards to reinforce key terms throughout the unit. These are similar vocabulary cards available in the Fourth Grade Science Stations
- Big Idea Posters that illustrate the main concepts students will learn
- Exit Tickets in three formats: short answer, fill-in-the-blank, and multiple choice
What is the 5E Instructional Model?
The 5E Model is student-led, with the teacher acting mainly as the facilitator. Through open-ended questions, real-life experiences, guided investigations, and research, the students gain a deep understanding of the scientific topics that are covered in the lessons. Each stage of the model serves as a foundation for the next, creating a coherent model that frames lessons, activities, and units.
Find out more about the 5E Unit Plans in this blog post.
Objectives and Timeline for Plate Tectonics of the 5E Changing Earth Unit
ENGAGE
Objectives:
- Students will access their prior knowledge about plate tectonics and how tectonic features are often found in predictable places on maps.
- Student interest in plate tectonics will be elicited.
- The teacher will be able to identify student misconceptions about plate tectonics.
Parts and Duration:
- Part 1 (What Is This?): 10 minutes
- Part 2 (My Experiences): 15 minutes
- Part 3 (Introducing…Plate Tectonics): 10 minutes
EXPLORE
Objectives:
- Students will work together to investigate the tectonic features on Earth. They will do this by making a map and putting together another map of tectonic plates.
- Students will gather general information about plate tectonics.
- Students will begin to think about the pattern of tectonic features found on maps.
- Students will analyze and interpret data to provide evidence that plate tectonics affects Earth’s features.
Parts and Duration:
- Part 1 (Check It Out): 15 active minutes
- Part 2 (Read This): 15 minutes
- Part 3 (You Try It): 15 minutes
EXPLAIN
Objectives:
- Students will work collaboratively to observe plate tectonics in action.
- Students will listen to the teacher’s explanation about plate tectonics.
- Students will use the new information to revise their explanations about the processes that cause plate movement and the features that are created as a result.
Parts and Duration:
- Part 1 (What Does It Mean?): 20 minutes
- Part 2 (What Is Plate Tectonics?): 20 minutes
- Part 3 (Putting It All Together): 15 minutes
EXTEND
Objectives:
- Students will apply what they have learned about plate tectonics to a new situation.
- Students will deepen their understanding of plate tectonics, gaining a more generalized knowledge of this specific scientific concept.
- The teacher will resolve all persisting student misconceptions about plate tectonics.
Parts and Duration:
- Part 1 (Where Is Plate Tectonics?): 20 minutes
- Part 2 (Show What You Know): 15 minutes
- Part 3 (Have Fun With It): 20 minutes
EVALUATE
Objectives:
- Students will evaluate their own understanding of plate tectonics
- Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the concepts and vocabulary.
- The teacher will encourage students to ask questions that could lead to future investigations.
Parts and Duration:
- Part 1 (What I Know): 15 minutes
- Part 2 (Showing Plate Tectonics): 30 minutes
- Part 3 (Going Forward): 15 minutes
Caren P. –
These were great activities to use with my supplemental students in small group for extra teaching and practice.
Jennifer E. –
Great resource, I was struggling to teach this standard to my students. This resource really helped my students understand.
Alexandra F. –
This is a great product! It perfectly aligns to the 5Es.