Gondwana Puzzle
(Reconstruct a Supercontinent)

Standard III

Students will understand that gravity, density, and convection move Earth's plates and this movement causes the plates to impact other Earth Systems.

Objective 01

Explain the evidence that supports the theory of plate tectonics.a. Define and describe the location of the major plates and plate boundaries.

Indicator d

Explain Alfred Wegener’s continental drift hypothesis, his evidence, and why it was not accepted in his time.

Indicator e

Evaluate the evidence for the current theory of plate tectonics.

Intended Learning Outcomes:

  1. Use Science Process and Thinking Skills
    1. Observe objects, events and patterns and record both qualitative and quantitative information.
    2. Evaluate, sort, and sequence data according to given criteria.
    3. Construct models, simulations and metaphors to describe and explain natural phenomena.
  2. Demonstrate Understanding of Science Concepts, Principles and Systems
    1. Know and explain science information specified for the subject being studied.
    2. Apply principles and concepts of science to explain various phenomena.
  3. Demonstrate Understanding of the Nature of Science
    1. Understand that science investigations use a variety of methods and do not always use the same set of procedures; understand that there is not just one "scientific method."
    2. Science findings are based upon evidence.
    3. Understand that scientific conclusions are based on the assumption that natural laws operate today as they did in the past and that they will continue to do so in the future.

Background:

This activity is designed to help students model the changes which have occurred showing the movement of continents over time. The idea of continental movement is based on evidence seen through geologic history.

Introduction:

Gondwana is the name given to a supercontinent that is believed to have existed in the past. The continent later broke up into modern Africa, South America, Australia, Antarctica, and India. There is evidence that supports this idea.

Instructions: ( These instructions are also available as a .pdf document.)

  1. You will reconstruct the supercontinent Gondwana using the outlines of the current continents.
    • Before you cut out the continent outlines, label the following items on the outlines.
      • Fossils of a mesosaurus were found on the eastern tip of South America. Label this location “A”.
      • Ancient coral reefs were found at the southern tip of South America. Label this location “B”.
      • Draw an arrow pointing from east to west in the southern most part of Brazil. This arrow represents the direction that ancient glaciers moved.
      • Ancient coral reefs were found along the narrow strip of land of Antarctica. Label this location “B”.
      • Coal beds were found along the southern coast of Antarctica. Label this location “C”.
      • Petrified palm trees were found along the eastern coast of Antarctica. Label this location “D”.
      • Draw an arrow pointing north on the north coast of Antarctica. This arrow represents the direction that ancient glaciers moved.
      • Draw an arrow pointing West in South Africa. This arrow represents the direction that ancient glaciers moved.
      • Fossils of a mesosaurus were found in Nigeria. Label this location “A”.
      • Rare sedimentary rocks were found in Kenya. Label this location “X”.
      • Petrified palm trees were found along southwestern edge of India. Label this location “D”.
      • Rare sedimentary rocks were found in the northernmost part of India. Label this location “X”.
      • Coal beds were found along the southern coast of Australia. Label this location “C”.
    • These items will have to match up in order to form a correct representation of Gondwana.
  2. Cut out the continent outlines.
  3. Glue the continents together on a piece of paper matching the labeled areas of one continent with another continent.

Question:

Explain how coal, petrified palm trees and coral reefs could have formed on frozen Antarctica using the theory of continental drift?

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Updated March 18, 2005 by: Glen Westbroek

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