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Science - Secondary Curriculum SEEd - Grade 7
Lesson Plans

Strand 7.2: CHANGES TO EARTH OVER TIME

Earth's processes are dynamic and interactive, and are the result of energy flowing and matter cycling within and among Earth's systems. Energy from the sun and Earth's internal heat are the main sources driving these processes. Plate tectonics is a unifying theory that explains crustal movements of Earth's surface, how and where different rocks form, the occurrence of earthquakes and volcanoes, and the distribution of fossil plants and animals.

Standard 7.2.5

Ask questions and analyze and interpret data about the patterns between plate tectonics and:
1) The occurrence of earthquakes and volcanoes.
2) Continental and ocean floor features.
3) The distribution of rocks and fossils.
Examples could include identifying patterns on maps of earthquakes and volcanoes relative to plate boundaries, the shapes of the continents, the locations of ocean structures (including mountains, volcanoes, faults, and trenches), and similarities of rock and fossil types on different continents. (ESS1.C, ESS2.B)
  • 7th Grade Specific Presentation_ UtSTA Presentation 2020
    Google Slides presentations that contain three lessons. The first lesson is exploring why planets orbit the Sun (7.1.5), the second lesson is exploring patterns in California plate tectonics (7.2.5), and the third lesson is exploring the coronavirus (7.3.1).
  • Mapping Out Tectonics
    A Google Drive folder with lesson plan and accompanying resources studying volcano and earthquake trends follows similar patterns as plate boundaries.


UEN logo http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Milo  Maughan and see the Science - Secondary website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.