1. Plate Tectonic theory became an accepted idea in the 1970's due to magnetic shifts, convection currents, and sea floor spreading. Evidence of Plate Tectonics Theory Alfred Wegener proposed that the continents were not stationary, but actually moving or drifting away from one another.  His primary sources of evidence included: the fit of the continents locations of fossil species glacial till deposits The shift of climates over time

2. Procedure for Activity • Examine Maps 1 through 5 at your table. • Identify landmasses • Identify the specific feature mapped on each map and determine what is mapped using the small keys provided. • Using colored pencils, transfer the evidence mapped on Maps 1 through 5 to the map in your packet. Use the colors indicated on your key and color your key as well. Evidence of Plate Tectonics Theory

4. Procedure for Activity • Examine Maps 1 through 5 at your table. • Identify landmasses • Identify the specific feature mapped on each map and determine what is mapped using the small keys provided. • Using colored pencils, transfer the evidence mapped on Maps 1 through 5 to the map in your packet. Use the colors indicated on your key and color your key as well. Evidence of Plate Tectonics Theory

5. Procedure for Activity continued • After completing your map, carefully cut out each landmass. • Begin arranging your pieces together into a “super continent.” Use the evidence you colored on your landmasses to help you arrange them (note pieces will not fit perfectly). • Check out at least three other student arrangements in a gallery walk. Compare and contrast your arrangement with theirs. Evidence of Plate Tectonics Theory

6. Procedure for Activity continued • 6. Once your are certain of your arrangement, glue landmasses into a super continent in your science notebook – glue your key in as well. • 7. Answer the questions in your packet. Evidence of Plate Tectonics Theory QUESTION: What do you know now that you have completed this lab?

8. What three pieces of evidence did Wegner’s use to support his theory of continental drift? Be specific! • The shapes of the continents fit together • The same fossils were found on different continents • Matching rock/landforms that match up on different continents • Why isn’t the fit of the continents perfect if all the continents were once part of Pangaea? • Weathering and erosion, natural disasters (volcanoes, earthquakes) • What two landmasses seem to fit together the best? Why do you think this is? • South America and Africa. They may have been the last to separate so they have experienced less weathering and erosion. • What fossil is found on almost every continent? • Glossopteris

9. Since a dinosaur cannot swim, explain how a fossil can be found on all continents? • The continents must have been closer together at one time. • It is generally considered that dinosaurs lived in warm climates, yet fossil remains are found in Antarctica. How can this be explained? • Antarctica must have been located farther north and so it had a warmer climate than it does today. • If all the continents continue to drift what might happen sometime in the future? • The continents might form a “Pangaea” again. • Similar glacial deposits were found on S America, India, Antarctica, Africa, and Australia. What does this probably indicate about the overall climate of Pangaea at the time? • The overall climate of Pangaea must have been cooler.