Carolina Curriculum: GEMS > Kits for Grades K-5 > Plate Tectonics: The Way the Earth Works

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Expanded view of the Plate Tectonics: The Way the Earth Works Kit

GEMS^® Plate Tectonics: The Way the Earth Works (Grades 6–8)

GEMS Plate Tectonics: The Way the Earth Works represents an exciting field of study within the earth sciences that is devoted to investigating interactions among Earth’s plates. The theory of plate tectonics is an evolving theory. New discoveries and more exciting observations of geological events and phenomena are continually increasing our knowledge.

This GEMS unit provides strong support to major learning goals outlined in the National Science Education Standards, as well as state frameworks and district guidelines. GEMS Plate Tectonics: The Way the Earth Works engages students in numerous hands-on activities that provide them with a fuller understanding of important elements of the theory and study of plate tectonics. The activities in this guide present students with opportunities to act as scientists gathering evidence from various parts of the world about volcanoes, geologic time, and the processes that form the Earth’s crust.

Benefits of using this kit:
	Introduces foundational science concepts that lead to student success
	Strongly aligned with multiple state standards and the National Science Education Standards and Bench Marks for Science Literacy
	Provides clear step-by-step instruction, assessment suggestions, literature connections, and ideas for further instruction

Goals Standards In the Kit Pilot this Kit Support

Goals of Plate Tectonics: The Way the Earth Works
	Students gain an increased understanding of plate tectonics theory.
	Students are able to distinguish between shield and strato volcanoes and plot their geographical locations. They can describe the difference in the viscosity/silica content of magmas from different kinds of volcanoes.
	Students deepen their awareness of the cast scope of geologic time and the massive energy needed to reshape the Earth’s surface.

National Standards addressed by Plate Tectonics: The Way the Earth Works:

	Earth and Space Science Standard, 5–8: Structure of the earth system; Earth's history; Earth in the solar system.
	Science and Technology Standard, 5–8: Abilities of technological design.
	Science in Personal and Social Perspectives Standard, 5–8: Natural hazards.
	Inquiry Standard, 5–8: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry.
	Unifying Concepts and Principles: Evidence, models, and explanation.

In the Kit:
The unit kit comes with a Teacher's Guide, a Teacher's Pack containing: copy masters, MSDS sheets, matrix of provided materials where used and materials needed but not supplied, and materials needed for a class of 32 students.

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	Complete the pilot information request form.
	You choose a lead teacher(s) to pilot the units.
	Carolina ships the selected unit kit(s) to your school/district.
	At the end of the pilot, you can purchase one of the unit kits for 10% off the catalog price!

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	Plate Tectonics: The Way the Earth Works Kit This Kit comes with a Teacher's Guide, an information packet, and the materials needed for a class of 30.

	Plate Tectonics: The Way the Earth Works Kit Teacher's Guide Additional Teacher's Guides are available if you need them.

	Plate Tectonics: The Way the Earth Works Kit Refill Pack This set replenishes the consumable materials in the Kit.