Introduction
The Earth has been around a long time. At one time the Earth looked very different than now. All of the continents were connected in one big glob. One way we know this is through the study of fossils. You will find some information on fossils and journey through the Earth's layers where you will learn about plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes and the rock cycle. Let's begin our journey of the history of the Earth.

The Task
Research the history of the Earth. Keep these questions in mind as you explore.
              What are the four layers of the Earth?
               How has the Earth changed over time?
              How are rocks formed, and what is the rock cycle?
               What does plate tectonics have to do with volcanoes and earthquakes?
              What are fossils and what can we learn from them?

Resources
Internet resources listed below

Helpful Hints

As you research each topic watch for hints that are given to help you with your search. Transfer all your notes carefully and completely. You will use these notes to complete assignments.

Process
    1. Follow the directions for the four sections that follow.
     2. Remember to follow the helpful hints for the Web sites.
     3. When you complete the four sections, all the new information should be in your notes,
         that will allow you to create an information page on Kidspiration on the history of the Earth. 

Your final project must have the following:                    1.) A Kidspiration information page labeling the following:                    Earth layers Earthquakes Plate tectonics Richter Scale Rock cycle Fossils Volcanoes Pangaea, Continental Drift                       2.) At least five appropriate graphics (pictures) labeled                    3.)  Three or more interesting facts you learned from your research  4.) All your activity sheets, notes, and Kidspiration pages should be completed and added to your Earth folder to turn in.

            A.) Copy the diagram of the Earth in your notes. Label the different layers of the Earth.
                Use this Web site to help  find the layers of the Earth: Print layers form
                http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/vwlessons/lessons/Earths_layers/Earths_layers1.html.

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        B.) In addition to completing the diagram, answer the following questions. Use neat and complete
            sentences. Use this Web site to answer the questions:
            http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/vwlessons/lessons/Pangea/Pangea1.html.

Print note taking form

1.) W hat is Pangaea?              

2.) In your own words, describe the Continental Drift Theory. Whose theory is it?

3.) What are plates? How many are there? How far do they move each year?
             

        C.) Go to http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/tryit/tectonics/#. Move the Earth's plates and see
            what occurs. Describe what happens when you move each plate. Helpful Hint: Click on "Plate 
            Tectonics Activity" at the top of the page.
        D.) Save your notes and use it to complete all of the activities.

        A. ) Create a diagram of the rock cycle using the Kidspiration rock cycle worksheet as a guide. Use this Web site to complete the  
            diagram: http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/vwlessons/lessons/Rocks/Rocks6.html     Rock Cycle

  B.) Find out more about the three types of rocks. Create a three column chart using the Kidspiration classification work sheet as a guide. Use
           the example below to help you. For each rock type, describe how it is formed and give two examples 
            of each rock.  Use this Web site to research the different types of rocks: Classification Of Rocks
            http://www.fi.edu/fellows/payton/rocks/create/index.html

       C.) Save your notes and use them to complete all of the activities.

        A.) Research volcanoes and earthquakes. In your notes answer the following
           questions. Use neat and complete sentences. Use the Web sites listed below to answer the 
           questions:   
                                         
            Volcano        Print volcano notes       
         http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/vwlessons/lessons/Volcanoes/Volcanoes1.html

1. What are the two definitions for the term volcano?

2. Where do volcanoes form?

3. What is a lava dome?

4. Define active, dormant, and extinct volcanoes in your own words.

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           Earthquake    Print earthquake notes    
         Volcano World Website   Click on SEARCH and Earthquakes

  1. What is an earthquake?

  2. Describe the focus and the epicenter of an earthquake

  3. How are earthquake waves produced? List the three types of waves.

  4. What does a Richter Scale show?     

   II. Save your notes and use them to complete all of the activities.

        A.) In your notes, answer the following questions. Use neat and complete sentences.
            Use this Web site to answer the questions:
            http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/education/explorations/tours/fossil/.
            Helpful Hint: Click on Student Level  1 (one) to start.

            Print Part 4 Fossil Notes

 1. What is a fossil? What questions can the fossil record help us to answer?

 2. Describe the difference between a body fossil and a trace fossil.

3. Why are organisms that are buried rapidly more likely to fossilize?

 4. In what type of rock would you most likely find fossils? Why?

5. Describe three geologic forces that could destroy a fossil.

                   
    B.) Save your notes and use them to complete all of the activities.

  Additional Resources
   For additional information on the history of the Earth, use the following Web sites:
    http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/dynamic.html#anchor4161180
    http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/fossils/contents.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/22360/
    http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/education/explorations/tours/intro/

Evaluation

1. Evaluation is based on the accuracy and completeness of the data gathered in your notes
2. Your Kidspiration presentation that follow the class guidelines
3. Turned-in printout of your Kidspiration presentation, with your notes in your Earth folder

Conclusion
After your research is complete, you should be able to easily answer the questions at the beginning of this WebQuest. You should have an understanding of how the Earth has changed, plate tectonics, the layers of the Earth, Pangaea, the continental drift,and the rock cycle. You should also be able to explain how volcanoes and earthquakes are formed and what can be learned from fossils.

Culminating Activities
Turn in your finished work and complete the following activities.
**Test what you have learned about the rock cycle and the three types of rocks by taking the Rock Hound Quiz at http://www.fi.edu/fellows/payton/rocks/quiz/index.html.

  WebQuest graphics: Microsoft Clip Art  http://encarta.msn.com
                                                            http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/
                                                            http://school.discovery.com/clipart/
                                                            http://www.fi.edu/fellows/payton/rocks/create/index.html
                                                            http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/education/explorations/tours/fossil/.