In this forces that shape Earth’s surface reading, students will learn how different forces on the crust (compression, tension, shearing) have shaped local geographic features and landforms.
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Includes both print and Google Slides options to assign!
In this activity, students will:
- READ a 2-page text passage about the forces that shape Earth and the landforms that come about due to these forces.
- ANSWER text-dependent questions. The worksheet also includes graphic organizer-type sections for students to summarize what they have learned. No prior knowledge is required – all information comes directly from the text.
Topics Covered:
- Stress on rock builds up potential energy
- Compression and the landforms it results in (mountain ranges, volcanic arcs, and ocean trenches)
- Tension and the landforms it results in (mid-ocean ridges and continental rifts)
- Shearing and the landforms it results in (transform faults and fault zones)
Related NGSS Standard:
- MS-ESS2-2: Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth’s surface at varying time and spatial scales.
Teacher Notes:
- Includes an answer key.
- Please note that this resource is not editable.
- Save time and copies! Make just one class set of the article and reuse them class-to-class! Students only write on their answer sheet.
- GO PAPERLESS! Use the included digital Google Slides option to assign!
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