were once connected, reinforcing the concept of continental drift.

This topic is
essential as it connects the historical context of the Earth's geography with the
current lesson objective.

Learning across the curriculum:

1. Geography: The study of geographical features and how they have changed over
timeSubject: Earth Science
Grade Level: Grade 11

Objective:
1. explain how the continents drift
2. cite evidence that supports continental drift

Learning within the curriculum:

1. Plate Tectonics: This topic covers the theory that the Earth's outer shell is divided
into several plates that glide over the mantle, providing a scientific basis for
understanding how continents drift. It connects to the current lesson by explaining
the mechanisms behind continental movement.
2. Fossil Distribution: This topic examines the patterns of fossil findings across
different continents, which supports the theory of continental drift. It connects with
the current lesson by providing concrete examples of how the distribution of similar
fossils on separated continents indicates they were once joined.

Learning across the curriculum:

1. Geography: Studying the geographical distribution of landforms and how they
have changed over time can help students understand the physical evidence of
continental drift. It connects with Earth Science by providing a spatial perspective on
how continents have shifted.
2. History: Exploring ancient civilizations and their geographical locations can
illustrate how the movement of continents has affected human history and settlement
patterns. It connects to the current lesson by showing the long-term impacts of
continental drift on human development.

Elicit:
Teaching Strategy: Think-Pair-Share
Instructional Materials: None required
Anecdote 1: "In the Philippines, the movement of the tectonic plates has caused
many islands to form and change shape over thousands of years. Imagine if we
could see how the islands were once connected and how they drifted apart like
pieces of a puzzle."
Anecdote 2: "Have you ever heard stories from your grandparents about how the
land has changed in their lifetime? Just like how some areas have become more
developed, the continents have been shifting for millions of years, creating new
landforms and separating landmasses."

Engage:
Teaching Strategy: Interactive/Integrated Learning
Instructional Materials: Map of the world showing continental drift
Energizer 1: "Continental Drift Relay"
Energizer 2: "Continent Charades"

Explore:

Activities
Activity 1: Evidence of Drift
Teaching Strategy: Inquiry-Based Learning
Materials: Fossil samples (pictures), maps of continental drift
Significance: This activity allows students to analyze real evidence supporting
continental drift.

Instructions:
1. Examine the provided fossil samples and maps.
2. Discuss in groups how these fossils support the theory of continental drift.
3. Present your group's findings to the class.

Rubrics:
- Clarity of presentation: 5 pts.
- Depth of analysis: 5 pts.
- Group collaboration: 5 pts.
Assessment Questions:
1. What fossils did you find that support the idea of continental drift?
2. How do these fossils help us understand the past positions of continents?
3. What conclusions can you draw from your analysis?
Activity 2: Plate Movement Simulation
Teaching Strategy: Experiential Learning
Materials: Styrofoam balls, markers, and a large sheet of paper
Significance: This activity simulates how tectonic plates move and interact,
providing a hands-on understanding of continental drift.

Instructions:
1. Use the Styrofoam balls to represent different continents and label them with
markers.
2. Simulate the movement of tectonic plates by pushing the balls together and apart.
3. Document the changes in position on the large sheet of paper.

Rubrics:
- Accuracy of simulation: 5 pts.
- Creativity in presentation: 5 pts.
- Participation in group work: 5 pts.

Assessment Questions:
1. What did you observe during the simulation of plate movements?
2. How did the movement of the plates affect the positioning of the continents?
3. What real-world implications does this have for understanding earthquakes or
volcanic activity?

Explain:
Activity 1 - The movement of continents is driven by the tectonic plates beneath the
Earth's surface, which shift due to convection currents in the mantle. Understanding
these movements helps explain geological phenomena like earthquakes and
volcanic eruptions.
Activity 2 - Fossil distribution across continents illustrates how species once
inhabited connected landmasses, providing evidence for the theory of continental
drift. This connection between biology and geology is crucial for understanding
Earth's history.
Activity 3 - The theory of continental drift is further supported by geological
similarities across continents, such as mountain ranges and rock formations.
Recognizing these patterns can deepen students' understanding of Earth's dynamic
nature.

Elaborate:
Teaching Strategy: Project-Based Learning
1. Task: Research a specific geological event (e.g., an earthquake or volcanic
eruption) and how it relates to tectonic plate movements.
2. Task: Create a presentation or a model to demonstrate this event's impact on the
environment and human life.
Discussion: After presentations, hold a class discussion on how understanding
these geological processes can help us prepare for future natural disasters and
protect communities.

Evaluate:
Teaching Strategy: Socratic Method

Questions:
1. How do tectonic plates contribute to the theory of continental drift?
2. What evidence supports the idea that continents were once connected?
3. In what ways does continental drift affect life on Earth today?

For Higher Order Thinking Skills:

Questions:
1. How would Earth be different if continents had never drifted?
2. Why do you think scientists were initially skeptical about the theory of continental
drift?
3. What modern technologies could help us monitor plate movements?

Answers:
1. If continents had never drifted, ecosystems and species might have evolved very
differently, leading to a completely different biodiversity.
2. Initially, the lack of a clear mechanism for how continents could move led to
skepticism; it wasn't until further evidence emerged that the theory gained
acceptance.
3. Technologies like GPS and satellite imaging allow scientists to monitor tectonic
plate movements in real-time, providing critical data for understanding geological
activity.

Extend:
Teaching Strategy: Contextualized Teaching and Learning
Instructional Materials: None required
Usecase 1: Students can apply their knowledge of continental drift by analyzing
local geological features in their community, such as hills or valleys, and
hypothesizing how these features may have formed due to past tectonic movements.
Usecase 2: Students can simulate a news report on how a significant geological
event, such as an earthquake, impacts their local area, encouraging them to connect
classroom learning with real-world implications and community awareness.

Assignment:
1. Write a short essay on how the concept of continental drift can explain the
geographical and biological diversity of the Philippines. Students can use their
knowledge from the lesson and research additional information, integrating
Discovery Learning and Cooperative Learning strategies.