Continental Drift Theory Complete Lesson Plan - MS

Everything you need for a complete middle school unit on continental drift!
This resource includes presentations, worksheets, student choice projects, and assessments. It’s designed as a ready-to-teach, multiday unit that requires minimal prep. Fully editable and built for differentiation, it supports student-centered learning so you can focus on guiding and supporting success.

Essential Questions for Students:

• Who was Alfred Wegener?

• What evidence from history supports the Continental Drift Theory?

• What drives the movement of Earth’s continents?

Note for Texas teachers: This lesson aligns with the 2017 TEKS standards. It will not be revised for the 2021 TEKS.

Why this Kesler Science Lesson Works:

• Differentiated options for students who need extra support

• Multiple formats and modalities to keep learners engaged

• Flexible resources available in both print and digital formats

• Editable PowerPoints to customize for your classroom

• Spanish translations of vocabulary, readings, and notebook pages

Built on the 5E Model of Instruction (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate)

Here’s what you’ll find in each stage of learning:

Engage

• Objectives and word wall cards with English and Spanish vocabulary

• Teacher guide with discussion prompts, classroom activities, and common misconceptions

• Many lessons include hands-on activities or student-led tasks

Explore
The differentiated station lab includes nine unique stations so students can learn in multiple ways.

Input Stations:

• Explore It! – Hands-on demonstration or experiment

• Read It! – Differentiated passages (English & Spanish) with comprehension questions

• Research It! – Web-based activity with follow-up tasks

• Watch It! – Short video with guided discussion

Output Stations:

• Organize It! – Card sorts and digital categorization tasks

• Write It! – Open-response questions requiring complete sentences

• Illustrate It! – Drawing or sketching activities to reinforce concepts

• Assess It! – Formal questions targeting vocabulary and mastery

Bonus Station:

• Challenge It! – Extension tasks for early finishers or enrichment

Explain

• Editable presentations (traditional and interactive)

• Interactive notebook pages in English and Spanish (digital & print)

• Guided note-taking templates for students

Elaborate

• Student-choice projects on continental drift to extend or deepen understanding

Evaluate

• Assessment questions updated for STAAR 2.0, with standard and modified versions

• Review worksheets and discussion questions for practice or homework

Works in Any Setting
This unit can be used in-person or online. The digital-friendly station lab and interactive presentations make it easy to adapt for virtual learning.

Important Note
This product is complete as-is. Future updates or new features will be released separately.