The History of the Earth WebQuest
Introduction / Your Task / Resources / Helpful Hints
Process / Evaluation / Conclusion / Culminating Activities
Introduction
The Earth has an amazing history. Did you know that at one time the Earth looked very
different? All of the continents were connected! One way we know this is through the study of
fossils. You will "dig up" some information on fossils and journey through the center of Earth
where you will learn about the Earth's layers, plate tectonics, and the rock cycle. You will also
discover how volcanoes and earthquakes are formed. Let's begin our journey of the history of
the Earth!
Your Task
Research the history of the Earth. Keep in mind these questions as you explore.
What are the different layers of the Earth?
How has the Earth changed?
How are rocks formed? What is the rock cycle?
What does plate tectonics have to do with volcanoes and earthquakes?
What are fossils and what can we learn from them?
Resources
Internet resources listed below
Helpful Hints
As you research each topic watch for hints that are given to help you focus your search.
Transfer all your notes carefully and completely. You will use these notes to complete an
assignment. Always remember to credit graphics in your bibliography.
Teacher Note: Students will answer the following questions in their science notebooks.
Process
1. Follow the directions for the four sections that follow.
2. Remember to follow the helpful hints for the Web sites.
3. When you complete the four sections, all the new information should be in
your science notebook.
4. With the research you obtain you will create a PowerPoint presentation on the
history of the Earth.
Your presentation must have the following components:
A title slide, including the names of group members
One slide for each section you researched: (1) Layers of the Earth and
Plate Tectonics, (2) The Rock Cycle, (3) Volcanoes and Earthquakes,
and (4) Fossils
One slide describing three interesting facts you learned from your
research
At least three or four appropriate graphics
One slide listing the information sources (bibliography)
Your presentation must have a total of seven slides
4. Print your PowerPoint presentation (6 slides per page) and turn-in with the notes-
packet..
Section I - Layers of the Earth and Plate Tectonics
I. Copy the diagram of the Earth in your notes. Label the different layers of the Earth
and then
describe in your own words how the Earth's layers were formed. Use this Web
site to help find the layers of the Earth:
http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/interior
II. In addition to completing the diagram, answer the following questions. Use neat and
complete sentences! Use this Web site to answer the questions:
Use this link for A and B: http://geology.com/pangea.htm
A. What is Pangea?
B. In your own words, describe the Continental Drift Theory. Whose theory is it?
Use this link for C: www.geography4kids.com/files/earth_tectonics.html
C. What are plates? How many are there? How far do they move each year?
Use this link for D: www.geography4kids.com/files/earth_tectonics.html to see an animation of
how they move or http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/tryit/tectonics/# to move them on your own and
see what type of boundary is formed.
D. List and describe the three types of plate boundaries.
Section II - The Rock Cycle
I. Create a diagram of the rock cycle. Use this Web site to complete the
diagram:
http://www.minsocam.org/MSA/K12/rkcycle/rkcycleindex.html
II. Find out more about the three types of rocks. Create a three column chart. Use the
example below to help you. For each rock type, describe how it is formed and give
two examples
of each rock. Use this Web site to research the different types of rocks:
http://www.minsocam.org/MSA/K12/rkcycle/rkcycleindex.html
Rock How Examples
Type Formed (2)
Igneous
Sedimentary
Metamorphic
III. Save your notes-packet and use it to complete all of the activities. Be sure to credit
sources.
Section III - Volcanoes and Earthquakes
I. Research volcanoes and earthquakes. In your science notebooks, answer the
Following questions. Use neat and complete sentences! Use the Web sites listed below to
answer the questions:
http://volcano.oregonstate.edu/vwdocs/vwlessons/lessons/Volcanoes/Volcanoes13.html
Volcano
1. At what type of plate boundaries do volcanoes form?
2. What are the two definitions for the term volcano?
3. Define active, dormant, and extinct volcanoes in your own words
.
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/kids/eqscience.php
Earthquake
1. What is an earthquake?
2. What causes an earthquake and where do they happen?
3. How are earthquakes recorded?
4. What does a Richter Scale show?
Section IV - Fossils
I. In your science notebook answer the following questions.
Use this Web site to answer the questions:
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/education/explorations/tours/fossil/.
Helpful Hint: Click on Student, Level 2, to start.
1. What is a fossil? What questions can the fossil record help us to answer?
2. Describe the difference between a body fossil and a trace fossil.
3. Why are organisms that are buried rapidly more likely to fossilize?
4. In what type of rock would you most likely find fossils? Why?
5. Describe three geologic forces that could destroy a fossil.
6. In your own words, explain why the fossil record is not complete.
Additional Resources
For additional information on the history of the Earth, use the following Web sites:
http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/dynamic.html#anchor4161180
http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/fossils/contents.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/17701/high/index.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/22360/
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/education/explorations/tours/intro/
Evaluation (Project value 200 points)
1. Evaluation is based on the accuracy and completeness of the data gathered in your
notes-packet
2. Your PowerPoint presentation, that follow the class guidelines for the presentation
3. Turned-in printout of your PowerPoint presentation, with your notes-packet
4. Peer evaluation sheet for performance during project
Conclusion
After your research is complete, you should be able to easily answer the questions at the
beginning of this WebQuest. You should have an understanding of how the Earth has
changed, plate tectonics, the layers of the Earth, and the rock cycle. You should also be
able to explain how volcanoes and earthquakes are formed and what can be learned
from fossils.
Culminating Activities
Turn in your finished work and complete the following activities.
**Test what you have learned about the rock cycle and the three types of rocks by taking the
Rock Hound Quiz at http://www.fi.edu/fellows/payton/rocks/quiz/index.html.
**What types of rocks are present in Virginia? Explore the rocks of Virginia through The Luck
Stone Rock CD-ROM, if available, from your teacher..
Introduction / Your Task / Resources / Helpful Hints
Process / Evaluation / Conclusion / Culminating Activities
WebQuest graphics: Microsoft Clip Art http://encarta.msn.com
http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/
http://school.discovery.com/clipart/
http://www.fi.edu/fellows/payton/rocks/create/index.html
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/education/explorations/tours/fossil/.