Continental Drift

Read & Apply

Reading Passage, Interactive Notebook Activity, &
Writing Prompt
 Product Use
As a science AND reading teacher, I know first hand that reading information text and comprehending what the
text says is DIFFICULT for most students! That is why I wrote & designed these “Read and Apply” daily lessons. The
passages for each topic are small, not overwhelming, and breaks the concept down as simply as possible. Students
can read these silently (although that is typically most difficult for them to comprehend), as partners, groups, or as
a whole class. I highly recommend having students use highlighters to highlight important vocabulary and concepts.
It’s important that they do not highlight the ENTIRE passage (as some students will) !

Along with each passage, I have included an “apply” activity for students to apply what they have learned in the
reading passage, helping them to comprehend what they have read. I have also included a short writing prompt for
students to practice their writing skills along with knowledge of content.

USING IN INTERACTIVE NOTEBOOKS

If you plan to use these in interactive notebooks, have students glue in the reading passage on the left side and the
apply activity & writing prompt on the right side. That way ALL the information is there for them to re-read, study,
and refer to! If you are not using “official” interactive notebooks, the pages can still be glued to a sheet of paper in
a binder, notebook, or piece of construction paper.

Considering the content & design of this product, it would be best to use with grades 4-6, but would be a GREAT
supplement to an upper grades reading intervention class or 7-8 special education. This would also be a great tool to
use for differentiation if you have students in your regular science class that really struggle comprehending the
textbook reading
©J.Smith,*2015*
 Encourage
students to take
notes in the margin
as they read.

Be sure students
“lay out” their
apply before gluing
to be sure they
have even spacing!
 Make this your
own! Remember
this is only an
example. Have
students use
certain colors, label
in certain ways,
and include
whatever
information you
want! Have them
add additional
information or
illustrations to the
extra space on the
page.
 Continental Drift Continental Drift
Have you ever wondered how our continents have changed over time? Have you ever wondered how our continents have changed over time?
Have you ever heard anyone say that the Atlantic Ocean is getting bigger every Have you ever heard anyone say that the Atlantic Ocean is getting bigger every
day? These events occur because of a theory called continental drift. In 1912, a day? These events occur because of a theory called continental drift. In 1912, a
German scientist named Alfred Wegener (‘W’ pronounced as a ‘V’) proposed the German scientist named Alfred Wegener (‘W’ pronounced as a ‘V’) proposed the
theory that all of our continents were once joined together in one single large theory that all of our continents were once joined together in one single large
landmass called Pangaea. The theory suggests that the supercontinent Pangaea landmass called Pangaea. The theory suggests that the supercontinent Pangaea
broke apart and have slowly drifted to their current locations. Other scientists broke apart and have slowly drifted to their current locations. Other scientists
at the time thought Wegener was crazy for his theory because nobody could at the time thought Wegener was crazy for his theory because nobody could
provide an explanation of HOW the continents would have moved. provide an explanation of HOW the continents would have moved.

Over the years, scientists have collected evidence that supports Over the years, scientists have collected evidence that supports
continental drift. For example, scientists have discovered unlikely fossils of the continental drift. For example, scientists have discovered unlikely fossils of the
same species on different continents. For example, a warm weather species was same species on different continents. For example, a warm weather species was
found in Antarctica where the odds of survival of that species are slim. This is found in Antarctica where the odds of survival of that species are slim. This is
evidence that Antarctica was, at one time, closer to the equator where that evidence that Antarctica was, at one time, closer to the equator where that
fossilized species could survive. Specific fossil species have also been found along fossilized species could survive. Specific fossil species have also been found along
matching borders where continents would have been connected while they made matching borders where continents would have been connected while they made
up Pangaea. up Pangaea.

The more obvious evidence is that it appears the continental borders The more obvious evidence is that it appears the continental borders
appear as if they would fit together like a puzzle. The theory of continental drift appear as if they would fit together like a puzzle. The theory of continental drift
suggests that North and South America were connected with Europe and Africa suggests that North and South America were connected with Europe and Africa
and Antarctic was attached and closer to the equator. Measurements show that and Antarctic was attached and closer to the equator. Measurements show that
North America moves away from Europe and Africa (the Atlantic Ocean getting North America moves away from Europe and Africa (the Atlantic Ocean getting
larger) by approximately 2.5cm per year. This evidence shows that continental larger) by approximately 2.5cm per year. This evidence shows that continental
drift happens at an extremely slow pace. It appears that despite the criticism, drift happens at an extremely slow pace. It appears that despite the criticism,
Alfred Wegener was correct all along. Now that scientists understand plate Alfred Wegener was correct all along. Now that scientists understand plate
tectonics and how the earth moves, they would be able to support Wegener’s tectonics and how the earth moves, they would be able to support Wegener’s
theory with HOW continental drift works. theory with HOW continental drift works.
©J.Smith,*2015* 4*
 Pangaea

Continental Drift in Progress

EVIDENCE SUPPORTING CONTINENTAL DRIFT
Instructions:

4
2
1
drift. Finally, show what you know by responding to the writing prompt.

Present Day
was in progress, then color in the present day world map. Next, fill out the ‘evidence’ foldable with four pieces of evidence
mentioned in the reading passage. Under each flap of the ‘evidence’ foldable, explain how that evidence supports continental
Create a flip book out of the 3 flip flaps. Starting with Pangaea, draw how the continents would look, then as continental drift

Explain the theory of continental drift and the importance of the evidence that supports this theory.

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©J.Smith,*2015*

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 CREDITS
Teachers
Clipart
Glitter Meets Glue
KG Fonts
The Painted Crow
The Cher Room
©J.Smith,*2015*