ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

Module 3.1 - Geology

Overarching:
What is the importance of
understanding geology?

Topical:
1.Why do tectonic plates perpetually
move?
2.How do tectonic plates shape the
earths surface?
3.How is an earthquake produced?

ROUP REPORTING GUIDELINES:

1. The class is divided into groups for
reporting.
2. Each group is randomly given (drawing of
lots or the like) a topic to report which are as
follow:
A.Earths Interior Layers
B.Continental Drift Theory
C.Sea-floor Spreading
D.Theory of Plate Tectonics
E.Plate Boundaries and Associated
Geological Events and
Formations/Features
F. Elastic Rebound Theory (Includes Faulting
and Folding)

ROUP REPORTING GUIDELINES:

3. The assigned dates for reporting are given
by the teacher. (subject to change and as
agreed upon)
4. Objectives for each topic will be given by
the teacher and should be the focus of the
report.
5. The whole report be should be within 25-30
minutes only.
6. The report should be accompanied by a
PowerPoint or a Keynote Presentation. Short
activities and video presentations may be
used by the reporters to facilitate the report.

ROUP REPORTING GUIDELINES:

7. ALL members of the group should be
included in the MAKING and the actual
CREATIVE execution of the report.
8. After the report, each member is subject
to questions and clarifications that will
be raised by fellow students and the
teacher.
9. The overall presentation will be
evaluated using the following criteria:
Conceptual Accuracy 10 pts.,
Completeness 10 pts.,
Presentation/Reporting 10 pts., for a

TOPIC OBJECTIVES FOR GROUP

REPORTERS:
A. Earths Interior Layers
Explain how the interior layers of
the earth were discovered;
Explain the relationship of depth to
temperature and pressure; and
Differentiate the interior layers of
the earth according to temperature,
density, state of being matter, and
composition.

TOPIC OBJECTIVES FOR GROUP

REPORTERS:
B. Continental Drift Theory
Explain the Continental Drift
Theory;
Enumerate and explain the
evidences supporting the
Continental Drift Theory; and
Identify the reason why the theory
was initially rejected.

TOPIC OBJECTIVES FOR GROUP

REPORTERS:
C. Sea-floor Spreading
Enumerate and explain the initial
and unusual observations that led
to the formulation of the sea-floor
spreading hypothesis;
Enumerate and explain the
evidences that support the SeaFloor Spreading Process; and
Differentiate continental crust from
oceanic crust and explain why the
continental crust is older than the

TOPIC OBJECTIVES FOR GROUP

REPORTERS:
D. Theory of Plate Tectonics
Explain the Theory of Plate
Tectonics;
Identify and explain the evidences
that support the Theory of Plate
Tectonics; and
Name and describe the 3 types of
plate boundaries.

TOPIC OBJECTIVES FOR GROUP

REPORTERS:
E. Plate Boundaries and
Associated Geological Events and
Formations
Differentiate transform, divergent,
and convergent boundaries;
Describe the different plate
boundary convergence and
divergence; and
Explain associated geological
events and formations related to
plate movements.

TOPIC OBJECTIVES FOR GROUP

REPORTERS:
F. Elastic Rebound Theory
(Includes Faulting and Folding)
Explain how an earthquake is
generated as described by the
Elastic Rebound Theory;
Explain where /why/how faults and
folds form;
Describe the kinds of faults and
folds; and
Explain associated geological
formation related to faulting and

TOPIC OBJECTIVES FOR GROUP

REPORTERS:
G. Seismic Waves
Explain how seismic waves are
detected;
Describe and differentiate P waves,
S Waves, and Surface Waves; and
Explain how the epicenter of an
earthquake is located using seismic
waves.

TOPIC OBJECTIVES FOR GROUP

REPORTERS:
H. Measuring Earthquakes
(Mercalli, Richter, and Moment
Magnitude Scale)
Differentiate Mercalli Scale from
Richter Scale;
Differentiate Richter Scale from
Moment Magnitude Scale;
Explain the advantages and
disadvantages of using each
earthquake scale; and
Enumerate and describe