Spread the word about seafloor spreading! Junior geologists prove Albert Wegener right in an activity that combines data analysis and deep ocean exploration. Learners analyze and graph fossil sample data taken from sites along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge to illustrate the concept of seafloor spreading.

Concepts

fossils, the sea floor, continental drift, plate tectonics, basalt, mid-ocean ridges, the deep sea, ocean exploration, graphing data

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Incorporate additional information about Albert Wegener's ideas into the lesson to show a clear link between the data the class members are graphing and his theory of continental drift
• Use the included extensions to allow pupils to gain more insight into the Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Classroom Considerations

• Provide rulers and graph paper for each pupil
• Be sure to check in with younger scholars to ensure they are selecting the correct axis labels for their graphs

Pros

• The lesson sharpens data analysis and interpretation skills through an interesting scenario
• Includes printable materials in the teacher's guide 

Cons

• None

Common Core

5.MD.B.2