Supercontinent Puzzle Challenge
Understanding supercontinents
This lesson engages seventh graders in understanding the concept of supercontinents through a fun and interactive puzzle activity. Students will learn about the formation and breakup of supercontinents over geological time periods, enhancing their comprehension of plate tectonics.
Game-Based Learning, Active Learning
Pre-made continent puzzle pieces, Markers, Whiteboard, Discussion Questions, and Supercontinent Video
Explain the concept of supercontinents, such as Pangaea, and how they formed and broke apart due to plate tectonics. Use a world map to show the current continents and discuss how they might have been connected in the past.
Step 2
Video Viewing
5 mins
Show the selected link is a placeholder until the appropriate video on supercontinents is available.
Step 3
Supercontinent Puzzle Activity
15 mins
- Provide students with pre-made continent puzzle pieces.
- Task them with working together to arrange the pieces into a supercontinent (e.g., Pangaea).
- Once completed, discuss the reasoning behind their placements.
- Introduce the concept of continental drift and how it led to the current arrangement of continents.
Step 4
Discussion and Reflection
5 mins
Use the prepared discussion questions to engage students in a reflection on what they learned about supercontinents and the forces that drive continental movement. Encourage them to think about the long-term changes the Earth has undergone and might undergo in the future.
Summarize the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the dynamic nature of Earth's surface. Ask students to share one interesting fact they learned. Collect the puzzle pieces for future use.
