My Science Box

http//www.newbaybridge.org/classroom/

On December 9, 2006 I led a workshop for new teachers called "Web Wonders and Wizardry". A main feature of the workshop was a list of websites recommended by myself ...

Sources

Getting Ready

1. The Point Bonita Lighthouse is only open on weekends and Mondays from 12:30 to 3:30. To have a docent or ranger open the lighthouse tunnel for you on other days and times, contact the National Park Service at (415) 561-4754.

Teacher Background

Time
2 hours at Point Bonita Lighthouse
10 minutes travel to Rodeo Beach
2 hours at Rodeo Beach and Lagoon
travel time to and from Marin Headlands varies

45-50 minutes back in classroom the following day to discuss, review, and consolidate field observations

Grouping

Marin Headlands photograph of Marin Headlands from the Golden Gate Bridge by Christopher Beland The Marin Headlands contain the geologic record of a great deal of plate tectonic action that can ...

Assessment

1. Ask students to answer the following questions for each of the 4 types of plate boundaries described in this lesson:
   • Describe how the plates are moving.
   • Give an example of somewhere in the world where you can find this kind of boundary.
   • Are there earthquakes?
   • Are there volcanoes?

Lesson Plan
Infer plate motion

1. Review convection currents in the Earth’s mantle. Discuss how convection currents form and how they move. (The heat from the core causes mantle in some areas to rise while cooled mantle near the crust sinks.)

Time
30-50 min hypothesize plate motions
20-25 min build seafloor spreading models and discuss evidence
30-35 min study models and describe types of plate boundaries

Grouping
Inferring the direction of plate motion will occur in groups of 2 or 3. Making models of seafloor spreading takes place individually.