Science Links
Dear Parent,
Your son’s or daughter’s class will soon begin exploring the chapter
entitled “Plate Tectonics.” In this chapter, students will learn about the
structure of the Earth and the forces that continually reshape the crust of
our planet. By the end of the chapter, students should demonstrate a clear
understanding of the chapter’s main ideas and should be able to discuss the
following topics:
1 what the layers of the Earth are made of (Section 1)
2 what the physical properties of the layers of the Earth are (Section
3 what the definition of tectonic plate is (Section 1)
4 how scientists know about the structure of Earth’s interior (Section
5 what Wegener’s theory of continental drift is (Section 2)
6 how sea-floor spreading provides a way for continents to move
(Section 2)
7 how new oceanic crust forms at mid-ocean ridges (Section 2)
8 how magnetic reversals provide evidence for sea-floor spreading
(Section 2)
9 what three forces are thought to move tectonic plates (Section 3)
10 what convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries are (Section 3)
11 how scientists track the motion of tectonic plates (Section 3)
12 what the major types of folds in the Earth’s crust are (Section 4)
13 how the three types of faults differ (Section 4)
14 what folded, fault-block, and volcanic mountains are (Section 4)
15 how different types of mountains form (Section 4)
Questions to Ask Along the Way
You can help your child learn about these topics by asking interesting
questions as he or she progresses through the chapter. For example, you may
wish to ask your son or daughter the following questions:
What is the Earth like on the inside?
Did our planet always look like it does now?
Where do mountains come from?
The Internet at Home
If you have Internet service at home, you and your child can access
information related to the chapter entitled “Plate Tectonics.” The following
resources are available for your use.
sciLINKS: At www.scilinks.org you will find links to Web sites that have been
selected by the staff at the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA).
The staff at NSTA regularly scans the Internet to find sites that are
current, engaging, and appropriate for middle school students. Check out the
latest links by typing in the sciLINKS numbers listed below:
GO TO: www.scilinks.org
TOPIC: Composition of the Earth sciLINKS NUMBER: HSM0329
TOPIC: Structure of the Earth sciLINKS NUMBER: HSM1468
TOPIC: Tectonic Plates sciLINKS NUMBER: HSM1497
TOPIC: Plate Tectonics sciLINKS NUMBER: HSM1171
TOPIC: Faults sciLINKS NUMBER: HSM0566
TOPIC: Mountain Building sciLINKS NUMBER: HSM0999
go.hrw.com: The resources at this Web site come to you directly from the
publisher of your child’s textbook. Here you will find resources to help your
son or daughter better understand the chapter entitled “Plate Tectonics.” For
example, Science Puzzlers, Twisters & Teasers worksheets use the chapter’s
vocabulary terms and concepts as a basis for lighthearted yet challenging
science fun. For help in generating ideas for science projects, you may refer
to Long-Term Projects & Research Ideas. You can also turn to the Resources
for Parents section of the Science Fair Guide for information on planning,
preparing, and presenting a science fair project. You can access these
materials and other information by entering the keyword below.
GO TO: go.hrw.com
KEYWORD: HZ5TEC
Thank you for your time and interest. Your participation in your child’s
education is a sure way to encourage learning!
Sincerely,
Coach Hastings
Internet Links
Websites for Teachers.
http://teacherweb.com
Other Resources
Here are some other resources that you can't find on the internet.