Earth's Layers and Convection
Grade 6•45 minutes•Proficiency Scale: Earth's Layers and Thermal Convection 4.0 - Advanced Develops a comprehensive and detailed model of Earth's layers, incorporating multiple types of evidence (e.g., seismic waves, rock composition, temperature variations). Explains how thermal convection influences plate tectonics and Earth's internal processes with real-world examples (e.g., volcanic activity, earthquake distribution). Analyzes and evaluates the impact of convection currents on long-term geological changes, such as continental drift and mountain formation. 3.0 - Proficient (Target Level) Develops a model of Earth's layers, correctly identifying the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core. Explains the role of thermal convection in the movement of Earth's materials and its relationship to tectonic plate movement. Uses evidence such as seismic wave behavior and heat transfer to support explanations. 2.0 - Basic Identifies Earth's layers and their basic characteristics (e.g., solid vs. liquid state, temperature differences). Recognizes that heat causes movement in Earth's interior but provides only a general explanation of convection currents. Describes how seismic waves provide some information about Earth's internal structure. 1.0 - Beginning Identifies some layers of Earth but may confuse their properties or order. Acknowledges that heat plays a role in Earth's interior but struggles to explain how convection currents function. Needs guidance to connect seismic waves or tectonic plate movement to Earth's internal heat. 0.0 - No Understanding Shows no understanding of Earth's layers or thermal convection, even with assistance.
Learning Objective
I can describe Earth's layers and explain how convection currents in the mantle move tectonic plates, causing earthquakes and volcanoes.
Practice Questions
This lesson includes 9 practice questions to reinforce learning.
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1. Describe the four main layers of the Earth.
2. Explain the process of convection. What causes material to rise and sink in a convection current?
3. How does the video describe the consistency of the asthenosphere? Why is this important for convection?
...and 6 more questions
Educational Video
Plates moving due to convection in mantle | Cosmology & Astronomy | Khan Academy
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