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Get to know your local geology

Students will learn about plate tectonics, research the geologic and tectonic history of their region or state and analyze geologic maps to understand how plate tectonics shaped the landscape.

How a scientific theory is born

Students will discuss the development of the theory of plate tectonics to determine how scientific theories are created.

Earth on the move

Students will answer questions about the online Science News article “How the Earth-shaking theory of plate tectonics was born,” which explores how scientists formed the theory of plate tectonics. A version of the story, “Shaking up Earth,” can be found in the January 16, 2021 issue of Science News.

Dissecting diagrams

Students will explore the value of diagrams, what information they should include and how to draw them. This discussion can be used with any science- or engineering-related article that contains a diagram.

Geologist for a day

Rocks found across the world offer clues to geological processes, as well as the history of Earth and the rest of the solar system. In this activity, students will review types of rocks and the rock cycle and will apply that knowledge to interpret data on two rock samples.

Stories in rock

In this activity, students will research important fossil sites across the world and synthesize what they find into a story to present to the class.

Career share and compare

These discussion prompts encourage students to discuss and compare the work and background of two SN 10 scientists to explore the varied paths to becoming a successful researcher.

Journey to the center of the Earth

After thinking through concepts related to processes in the Earth's core, students will use these prompts to create a diagram of the geodynamo.

Assessing the age of Earth’s core

Students will answer questions based on the Science News article "Earth's inner core is relatively young."

Volcanoes, erupting now?

Students will review volcano monitoring data and learn how to use it to predict possible volcano behavior.

Explore volcanic eruptions, and their devastating aftermath

These discussion prompts explore volcanic explosivity and collapse, the ecosystem and health effects of eruptions and how to keep people safe during natural disasters.

Zooming in on the Kilauea volcano

Students will answer questions based on the Science News article "Kilauea curiosities."