Earthquakes, Tsunamis, and Volcanoes

Grade Level: 6th

Subject: Science

Time Frame: 8 weeks (January-March)

Essential Questions

- why do planets orbit the sun
- what is the Big Bang?
- what are the layers of the Earth?
- what is continental drift?
- what is the source of moving plates?
- what causes earthquakes?
- what is a tsunami?
- what is a volcano?
- how do rocks form?

By the end of the unit, students will know:

- why the moon doesn't fall toward the earth?
- describe the formation of galaxies
- describe each layer of the Earth
- explain the process of convection as it relates to plate movement
- what is the cause of a tsunami?
- describe the types of volcanoes
- describe the types of rocks?

By the end of the unit, students will be able to:

- relate Newton's theory of the Moon's orbit of the Earth to galaxies orbit of a black hole
- discuss the criteria to be considered a planet
- discuss the plate tectonic theory as it relates to Pangaea
- discuss type of tectonic movement to strength of an earthquake
- discuss the locations that are vulnerable to tsunamis
- relate tectonic plate movement to volcano formation
- explain the rock cycle

Chapter: Introduction to Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Tsunamis

# of Days: 3

Topics:

- facts and questions about Earthquakes, Tsunamis, and volcanoes

Chapter: Orbits and Gravity: The Solar System and the Universe

# of Days: 7

Topics:

- orbits
- the Big Bang
- our solar system

Chapter: History and Geology of Earth

# of Days: 15

Topics:

- forming Earth
- Earth's layers
- tectonic plates
- moving with tectonic plates
- types of plate interactions and the results
- three types of rocks

Chapter: Explaining Earthquakes, Tsunamis, and Volcanoes

# of Days: 5

Topics:

- explaining earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes

Standards

MS-ESS1-2; MS-ESS1-3; MS-ESS2-2; MS-ESS2-3; MS-ESS2-5