6th Grade Lesson Plans: Forces Shaping Earth

TEKS Objectives:

(10)  Earth and space. The student understands the structure of Earth, the rock cycle, and plate tectonics. The student is expected to:

(A)  build a model to illustrate the structural layers of Earth, including the inner core, outer core, mantle, crust, asthenosphere, and lithosphere;

(B)  classify rocks as metamorphic, igneous, or sedimentary by the processes of their formation;

(C)  identify the major tectonic plates, including Eurasian, African, Indo-Australian, Pacific, North American, and South American; and

(D)  describe how plate tectonics causes major geological events such as ocean basins, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain building.

Jan. 23-24, 2012 Discuss the layers of Earth.  Make plans to build a model showing Earth’s layers.  Choose materials best to use for the model.

Jan. 25-26, 2012 Discuss the location and movement of the tetonic plates of the lithosphere.  Label and color tectonic plates on a world map.

Jan. 27 & 30, 2012 Discuss and investigate rock classification according to their process of formation.

Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2012 Discuss geological events that shape Earth.  Bring material for model to class.  Construct model of Earth’s layers according to plans made in previous class.

Feb. 2-3, 2012 Discuss the rock cycle.  Use an identification key to name rock samples.

Feb. 6-9, 2012 Study Sheets and review over forces that shape Earth.  Study Sheets not finished in class will be due Feb. 8 and 9.

Feb. 10 & 13, 2012 Six Weeks Test over forces that shape Earth.  Review all study sheets carefully.  Extra points will be given to students who get their study sheets signed.  Students will present their model of Earth’s layers to the class.  Lab activity locating the epicenter of an earthquake.