Grade Level:
Curriculum:
Overview
Create a replica of Pangaea.
Print Lesson
Overview
Introduction
Following a unit on plate tectonics and continental shift, instruct students to research the formation of Pangaea to recreate the supercontinent. Consider fossil records and studies of the continental shelf when examining the formation of Pangaea. Bring attention to how the continents once existed and eventually shifted over time to form ridges and mountain ranges. Examine the effect of seismic, volcanic and geothermal activity along plate boundaries. Challenge students to consider the cultural implications of being connected as one world. Realize that as continents drifted apart, societies evolved and various cultures emerged over time. In the end, we are all connected as members of one world.
Objective
Research the formation of Pangaea and assemble continents to demonstrate how the world was once connected.
Products Used
16719-XL-Ellison SureCut Die Set - Continents (7 Die Set) - XL A10925-Sizzix Bigz Die - Continents (4 Die Design)Instructions
Supplies Used: Construction Paper (Assorted Colors), Double-Sided Tape, Glue, Pencil, Poster Board, Scissors
The teacher will die-cut the materials for student use prior to the lesson.
- Die-cut the Continents using various colors of construction paper.
- Place the Continents on a large, light blue sheet of paper and free-form draw an oval around them to create the earth. Consider creating an oval template for students to cut out. Set the Continents aside.
- Adhere the oval earth to a dark blue sheet of paper or poster board and label the project "Pangaea" (Figure A).
- Cut the Indian subcontinent away from Asia to demonstrate how it was once a separate area of land (Figure B).
- Arrange the Continents and subcontinent according to their best fit on the oval earth and adhere (Figure C).
- Fill in gaps the between Continents with brown construction paper to show connectedness. Alternately, consider using brown crayon.
- Create labels for each Continent and adhere to show location (see Main Photo).
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Figure A -
Figure B -
Figure C
Standards
Science: Earth and Space Science
As a result of the activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop an understanding of:
- the structure of the earth's system.
- earth's history.
As a result of the activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop an understanding of:
- the energy in the earth system.
- the origin and evolution of the earth system.
Source:National Science Education Standards
Social Studies: People, Places and Environments
Pre-K-12: Standard 3
- Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of people, places and environments. The study of people, places and human-environment interactions assists learners as they create their spatial views and geographic perspectives of the world. Geographic concepts become central to learners' comprehension of global connections as they expand their knowledge of diverse cultures, both historical and contemporary.
National Council for the Social Studies, Expectations of Excellence: Curriculum Standards for Social Studies (Washington, D.C.: NCSS, 1994). This book may be purchased by calling 800-683-0812. Electronic copies of it are not available.
