Science Assessment

Students are expected to know that:

1. The rock layer beneath the surface of the earth is divided into massive sections of solid rock, called “plates.” The plates fit closely together such that all of the edges of a plate touch the plate next to it.
2. Plates are miles thick.
3. The continents and ocean basins are part of the plates. The exposed solid rock of mountains is an example of plate material that is visible when it is not covered by water, soil, or loose rock such as sand.
4. There are about 12-15 very large plates, each of which encompasses large areas of the earth’s outer layer (e.g., an entire continent plus adjoining ocean floor, or a large part of an entire ocean basin). Together these very large plates make up most of the entire outer layer of the earth. The rest of the outer layer is made up some additional smaller plates.
5. The boundaries of continents and oceans are not necessarily the same as the boundaries of plates. Some boundaries between plates are found on continents, some on ocean floors, and some in places where oceans and continents meet.

Boundaries:

1. Students are not expected to know the terms bedrock, lithosphere, crust, or mantle.
2. Students are not expected to know the names of specific plates, the size of the smaller plates, or how many small plates there are.
3. Students are not expected to know that the term “plates” refers to the lithosphere, or that two components (crust and upper mantle) make up the plates.
4. Students are not expected to know that the plates are not uniform in composition or thickness.