Lesson Plan | Traditional Methodology | Continental Drift

Objectives

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to present the main objectives of the lesson to the students, providing a clear and structured overview of what will be covered. This helps to set expectations and prepare the students for the content that will be explored, ensuring that everyone is aligned with the lesson's purpose and the knowledge that should be acquired by the end.

Main Objectives

1. Explain the theory of continental drift and its historical importance in understanding geology.

2. Describe the process of continent formation from an initial supercontinent.

3. Justify the shapes of the Brazilian and African coasts based on the theory of continental drift.

Introduction

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to situate students within the historical and scientific context of the theory of continental drift, sparking their interest and curiosity about the topic. By presenting an initial overview and intriguing curiosities, the aim is to engage the students and prepare them for a deeper understanding of the concepts that will be detailed throughout the lesson.

Context

 To begin, imagine a giant puzzle that covers the entire surface of the Earth. Millions of years ago, this puzzle was complete, forming a supercontinent called Pangaea. Over time, the pieces of this puzzle began to move, drifting apart and forming the continents we know today. This continuous movement is what we call Continental Drift. During today's lesson, we will explore how this theory was developed, its evidence, and its impact on our understanding of the geology of our planet.

Curiosities

里 An interesting curiosity is that the east coast of South America and the west coast of Africa fit together almost perfectly, like pieces of a puzzle. This observation was one of the clues that led scientist Alfred Wegener to formulate the theory of continental drift in 1912. Additionally, identical fossils from plants and animals have been found on continents now separated by oceans, providing further evidence that these continents were once united.

Development

Duration: (50 - 60 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to deepen the students' understanding of the theory of continental drift by providing essential details and evidence that support the theory. By addressing specific and detailed topics, the aim is to consolidate students' understanding and prepare them to respond to the proposed questions, promoting active and meaningful learning.

Covered Topics

1.  Pangaea: The Supercontinent - Explain that Pangaea was a supercontinent that existed about 335 million years ago. Show how it began to fragment around 175 million years ago, giving rise to the present continents. 2.  Alfred Wegener and the Theory of Continental Drift - Introduce Alfred Wegener, the German meteorologist and geophysicist who proposed the theory of continental drift in 1912. Highlight his observations and the evidence he collected, such as the similarity between the east coast of South America and the west coast of Africa. 3. 領 Paleontological Evidence - Detail the fossil evidence supporting the theory of continental drift, such as identical fossils of plants and animals found on continents now separated by oceans. Exemplify with fossils of Mesosaurus found in both Brazil and Africa. 4.  Geological and Climatic Evidence - Explain the geological and climatic evidence that supports the theory, such as the continuity of mountain ranges and glacier deposits on continents that are now in tropical climates. 5.  Impacts of the Theory on Modern Geology - Discuss how the theory of continental drift was fundamental to the development of the theory of plate tectonics and how it transformed modern understanding of geology.

Classroom Questions

1. 1. What was Pangaea and what is its importance in the theory of continental drift? 2. 2. What were the main pieces of evidence used by Alfred Wegener to formulate the theory of continental drift? 3. 3. Explain how the Mesosaurus fossils found in Brazil and Africa support the theory of continental drift.

Questions Discussion

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to review and consolidate the knowledge acquired during the lesson, promoting an in-depth discussion of the raised questions and allowing students to express their understandings and reflections. By engaging students in additional questions and reflections, the aim is to stimulate critical thinking and promote greater interaction with the content, ensuring that the main concepts are well understood and internalized.

Discussion

• 1. What was Pangaea and what is its importance in the theory of continental drift?

Pangaea was a supercontinent that existed about 335 million years ago. It began to fragment around 175 million years ago, resulting in the formation of the continents we know today. The importance of Pangaea in the theory of continental drift lies in the fact that its fragmentation and subsequent drift provide a clear model of how continents move over time. The existence of Pangaea explains the similarity between the coasts of continents now separated and the presence of identical fossils in distant regions.

• 2. What were the main pieces of evidence used by Alfred Wegener to formulate the theory of continental drift?

Alfred Wegener used several pieces of evidence to formulate the theory of continental drift. Among the most significant are: The similarity between the east coast of South America and the west coast of Africa, suggesting that these continents were once united. Identical fossils of plants and animals found on continents currently separated by oceans, such as Mesosaurus fossils found in both Brazil and Africa. The continuity of mountain ranges across different continents, such as the Appalachian Mountains in North America and the Caledonian Mountains in Europe. Climatic evidence, such as glacier deposits on continents that are now in tropical climates, indicating that these continents were in different positions in the past.

• 3. Explain how the Mesosaurus fossils found in Brazil and Africa support the theory of continental drift.

The Mesosaurus fossils, an aquatic reptile, found in both Brazil and Africa are crucial evidence for the theory of continental drift. These fossils indicate that these continents were once united, as it would be highly improbable for the Mesosaurus to cross the vast Atlantic Ocean to live on both continents. The presence of these fossils in areas now separated by an ocean suggests that these regions were connected in the past, supporting the idea that continents have moved over time.

Student Engagement

1.  Questions and reflections to engage students: 2. 1. What are the implications of the theory of continental drift for our understanding of earthquakes and volcanoes? 3. 2. How would you explain the formation of mountains using the plate tectonics theory, which evolved from the theory of continental drift? 4. 3. Think of other examples of fossils or geological formations that could provide additional evidence for the theory of continental drift. What would they be and why? 5. 4. How has the continental drift theory changed the way scientists view the geological history of Earth? 6. 5. If you were Alfred Wegener, what other types of evidence would you look for to support your theory?

Conclusion

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to provide a clear and concise summary of the main points covered in the lesson, reinforcing students' learning. By connecting theory with practice and highlighting the relevance of the topic, the aim is to ensure that students understand the importance of the content studied and how it relates to the world around them, promoting deeper and more lasting reflection.

Summary

• The theory of continental drift was proposed by Alfred Wegener in 1912.
• Pangaea was a supercontinent that began to fragment around 175 million years ago.
• The coasts of South America and Africa fit together almost perfectly, supporting the theory.
• Identical fossils of plants and animals have been found on continents now separated by oceans.
• Geological and climatic evidence, such as continuous mountain chains and glacier deposits, supports the theory.
• The theory of continental drift was fundamental for the development of the plate tectonics theory.

The lesson connected the theory of continental drift with practice by demonstrating how fossil, geological, and climatic evidence support the idea that the continents were united in the past. Alfred Wegener's observations, such as the fitting of coastlines and the distribution of fossils, were used to explain the movements of the continents and their importance in modern geology.

Understanding the theory of continental drift is crucial for understanding geological events like earthquakes and volcanoes, which have a direct impact on our lives. Furthermore, it helps us understand mountain formation and fossil distribution, providing a broader view of our planet's history. Knowing that continents like South America and Africa were once united makes us realize the dynamics and constant changes of Earth.