Continental Drift Activities for Middle School Science
The Kesler Science Continental Drift 5E Lesson guides middle school students through Alfred Wegener’s theory and the evidence for continental movement using a hands-on, multimodal approach. The resources below will give students a comprehensive understanding of continental drift. All of the following materials are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
The Kesler Science Continental Drift 5E Lesson is a comprehensive middle school unit built around Alfred Wegener’s theory and the historical evidence supporting the movement of continents. Designed for use in both classroom and virtual settings, the lesson includes editable PowerPoints, interactive notebook templates, worksheets, student-choice projects, and assessments. Materials are differentiated to support diverse learners and are available in both English and Spanish.
Students engage with the content through a hands-on, student-led station lab featuring nine activities that appeal to various learning styles. Input stations include hands-on demonstrations, short readings, videos, and digital research tasks, while output stations offer opportunities for writing, drawing, organizing information, and assessing understanding. A bonus challenge station provides extension activities for early finishers. This multimodal approach allows students to absorb and demonstrate learning in creative and personalized ways.
The lesson continues with editable PowerPoints and interactive notebooks during the explanation phase, followed by student-choice projects that deepen understanding in the elaboration phase. Assessments are STAAR 2.0-aligned and available in both standard and modified versions. This complete 5E unit provides a structured yet flexible framework for teaching continental drift through engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration, and evaluation.
The Kesler Science Continental Drift 5E Lesson is a comprehensive middle school unit built around Alfred Wegener’s theory and the historical evidence supporting the movement of continents. Designed for use in both classroom and virtual settings, the lesson includes editable PowerPoints, interactive notebook templates, worksheets, student-choice projects, and assessments. Materials are differentiated to support diverse learners and are available in both English and Spanish.
Students engage with the content through a hands-on, student-led station lab featuring nine activities that appeal to various learning styles. Input stations include hands-on demonstrations, short readings, videos, and digital research tasks, while output stations offer opportunities for writing, drawing, organizing information, and assessing understanding. A bonus challenge station provides extension activities for early finishers. This multimodal approach allows students to absorb and demonstrate learning in creative and personalized ways.
The lesson continues with editable PowerPoints and interactive notebooks during the explanation phase, followed by student-choice projects that deepen understanding in the elaboration phase. Assessments are STAAR 2.0-aligned and available in both standard and modified versions. This complete 5E unit provides a structured yet flexible framework for teaching continental drift through engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration, and evaluation.
The Kesler Science Continental Drift Theory Station Lab is designed to keep middle schoolers engaged while encouraging them to take ownership of their learning. The materials are comprehensive and time-saving, allowing students to explore how the continents once fit together into a supercontinent and examine the evidence supporting this scientific theory.
This station lab includes nine stations, each offering differentiated activities to create a personalized learning experience. Students work independently or in small groups as they complete hands-on tasks, analyze readings, watch videos, and conduct research. Stations like "Explore It!" and "Research It!" introduce key concepts, while "Organize It!" and "Write It!" provide opportunities to demonstrate understanding. A bonus challenge station is available for early finishers to deepen their exploration.
These stations use a mix of physical and digital materials, making them adaptable for any classroom setup. Resources include signage, task cards, manipulatives, and digital tools, allowing teachers to facilitate rather than direct the learning process.
The Kesler Science Continental Drift Theory Station Lab is designed to keep middle schoolers engaged while encouraging them to take ownership of their learning. The materials are comprehensive and time-saving, allowing students to explore how the continents once fit together into a supercontinent and examine the evidence supporting this scientific theory.
This station lab includes nine stations, each offering differentiated activities to create a personalized learning experience. Students work independently or in small groups as they complete hands-on tasks, analyze readings, watch videos, and conduct research. Stations like "Explore It!" and "Research It!" introduce key concepts, while "Organize It!" and "Write It!" provide opportunities to demonstrate understanding. A bonus challenge station is available for early finishers to deepen their exploration.
These stations use a mix of physical and digital materials, making them adaptable for any classroom setup. Resources include signage, task cards, manipulatives, and digital tools, allowing teachers to facilitate rather than direct the learning process.
The Kesler Science Continental Drift Theory Student Choice Projects allow middle school students to select a project that fits their preferred output style. Students can choose from six creative project options or design their own, with a clear project page and an editable grading rubric for assessments by teachers, peers, or students. This flexible, student-centered activity encourages personalized learning and is also included in the Earth Science Complete Lesson Bundle.
With differentiated options available, this activity accommodates a variety of learning needs. A modified project page includes options for students requiring remediation, while advanced students can tackle multiple projects. The rubric is designed to assess vocabulary, concepts, presentation, and accuracy, making it easy to tailor grading to individual classroom goals.
The projects require minimal supplies—typically standard classroom materials like paper, markers, and scissors—and many can be completed digitally. This multimodal, dynamic approach provides students with creative ways to demonstrate their understanding of the continental drift theory while saving teachers time and effort in planning.
The Kesler Science Continental Drift Theory Student Choice Projects allow middle school students to select a project that fits their preferred output style. Students can choose from six creative project options or design their own, with a clear project page and an editable grading rubric for assessments by teachers, peers, or students. This flexible, student-centered activity encourages personalized learning and is also included in the Earth Science Complete Lesson Bundle.
With differentiated options available, this activity accommodates a variety of learning needs. A modified project page includes options for students requiring remediation, while advanced students can tackle multiple projects. The rubric is designed to assess vocabulary, concepts, presentation, and accuracy, making it easy to tailor grading to individual classroom goals.
The projects require minimal supplies—typically standard classroom materials like paper, markers, and scissors—and many can be completed digitally. This multimodal, dynamic approach provides students with creative ways to demonstrate their understanding of the continental drift theory while saving teachers time and effort in planning.
The Kesler Science Earth Science Interactive Notebook Bundle is a must-have for teachers who want to provide an interactive learning experience in earth science. It includes both print and digital versions, making it a versatile resource for traditional classrooms, 1:1 environments, and distance learning.
The bundle covers a wide range of earth science topics, including Continental Drift Theory, plate boundaries, rocks and minerals, the rock cycle, Earth’s layers, volcanoes, earthquakes, and more. It also features activities like Venn diagrams, topographic maps, and reflection pages to help students demonstrate understanding and make connections between concepts.
The digital version includes a unique interactive notebook PowerPoint, which can be uploaded to Google Slides or learning management systems like MS Teams and Canvas. The paper version provides blank and pre-filled templates, along with color photos to guide students in completing each activity. Both versions come with a teacher answer key and a modified version for students with accommodations.
The Kesler Science Earth Science Interactive Notebook Bundle is a must-have for teachers who want to provide an interactive learning experience in earth science. It includes both print and digital versions, making it a versatile resource for traditional classrooms, 1:1 environments, and distance learning.
The bundle covers a wide range of earth science topics, including Continental Drift Theory, plate boundaries, rocks and minerals, the rock cycle, Earth’s layers, volcanoes, earthquakes, and more. It also features activities like Venn diagrams, topographic maps, and reflection pages to help students demonstrate understanding and make connections between concepts.
The digital version includes a unique interactive notebook PowerPoint, which can be uploaded to Google Slides or learning management systems like MS Teams and Canvas. The paper version provides blank and pre-filled templates, along with color photos to guide students in completing each activity. Both versions come with a teacher answer key and a modified version for students with accommodations.
The Continental Drift Inquiry Lab aligns with the theory of plate tectonics by helping students explore historical evidence supporting continental drift. Students engage with either a hands-on printed lab or a fully digital, interactive activity to model how the continents have shifted over time. Using materials like shaving cream and laminated pieces, students simulate continental movement and analyze artifact evidence to support their understanding.
Both the print and digital versions are fully differentiated with three levels of difficulty—dependent, modified, and independent—making it easy to support a wide range of learners. Each version includes comprehension questions, Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (C.E.R.) prompts, and a reflection section. Teachers are provided with editable files, answer keys, and detailed resource pages for smooth implementation in any classroom environment.
This lab is compatible with Google Slides and other major learning platforms, offering maximum flexibility for in-person or remote instruction. With multimodal resources, editable PowerPoints, and student-centered learning opportunities, this lab supports middle school students in developing a deeper understanding of the historical development of the plate tectonics theory.
The Continental Drift Inquiry Lab aligns with the theory of plate tectonics by helping students explore historical evidence supporting continental drift. Students engage with either a hands-on printed lab or a fully digital, interactive activity to model how the continents have shifted over time. Using materials like shaving cream and laminated pieces, students simulate continental movement and analyze artifact evidence to support their understanding.
Both the print and digital versions are fully differentiated with three levels of difficulty—dependent, modified, and independent—making it easy to support a wide range of learners. Each version includes comprehension questions, Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (C.E.R.) prompts, and a reflection section. Teachers are provided with editable files, answer keys, and detailed resource pages for smooth implementation in any classroom environment.
This lab is compatible with Google Slides and other major learning platforms, offering maximum flexibility for in-person or remote instruction. With multimodal resources, editable PowerPoints, and student-centered learning opportunities, this lab supports middle school students in developing a deeper understanding of the historical development of the plate tectonics theory.
The Kesler Science Plate Tectonics Sub Plans guide students through a warm-up, reading passage, independent activity, extensions for early finishers, and an assessment. Students begin by completing a graphic organizer, then label diagrams of divergent, convergent, and transform plate boundaries while describing the processes at each boundary. For early finishers, extension activities include analyzing a world map or creating metaphors for plate boundaries.
The Plate Tectonics Sub Plans conclude with an assessment or exit ticket. Extensive instructions are provided for substitutes, and a distance learning version includes a Google Form answer sheet. These lessons are designed for both in-class and online learning, ensuring seamless transitions and effective coverage of content.
Each lesson includes engaging activities, substitute instructions, answer keys, student handouts, and editable documents.
The Kesler Science Plate Tectonics Sub Plans guide students through a warm-up, reading passage, independent activity, extensions for early finishers, and an assessment. Students begin by completing a graphic organizer, then label diagrams of divergent, convergent, and transform plate boundaries while describing the processes at each boundary. For early finishers, extension activities include analyzing a world map or creating metaphors for plate boundaries.
The Plate Tectonics Sub Plans conclude with an assessment or exit ticket. Extensive instructions are provided for substitutes, and a distance learning version includes a Google Form answer sheet. These lessons are designed for both in-class and online learning, ensuring seamless transitions and effective coverage of content.
Each lesson includes engaging activities, substitute instructions, answer keys, student handouts, and editable documents.
The Kesler Science Plate Tectonics Escape Room provides an engaging way for students to demonstrate their knowledge of plate tectonics and Wegener's continental drift theory. Teachers have full control over the activity, choosing from eight independent puzzles to fit different class periods. The escape room can be set up using simple materials like manila envelopes or with more authentic props, such as locks and storage boxes, to enhance the experience.
For digital use, a Single Student Digital Version can be assigned via Google Slides or email, allowing students to solve puzzles and manipulate images online. A printable version in PPT or PDF is also available for at-home use.
The Plate Tectonics Escape Room includes detailed teacher directions, answer keys, editable templates, and digital tools like Google Forms for assessments. Additional resources, such as a video challenge, printable props, reward templates, and photo props, make the escape room a memorable and exciting activity that students will love!
The Kesler Science Plate Tectonics Escape Room provides an engaging way for students to demonstrate their knowledge of plate tectonics and Wegener's continental drift theory. Teachers have full control over the activity, choosing from eight independent puzzles to fit different class periods. The escape room can be set up using simple materials like manila envelopes or with more authentic props, such as locks and storage boxes, to enhance the experience.
For digital use, a Single Student Digital Version can be assigned via Google Slides or email, allowing students to solve puzzles and manipulate images online. A printable version in PPT or PDF is also available for at-home use.
The Plate Tectonics Escape Room includes detailed teacher directions, answer keys, editable templates, and digital tools like Google Forms for assessments. Additional resources, such as a video challenge, printable props, reward templates, and photo props, make the escape room a memorable and exciting activity that students will love!
This Plate Tectonics Science Reading Comprehension Lesson helps students explore the historical development of evidence supporting plate tectonic theory. Designed for middle school, the leveled passage highlights the contributions of key scientists and engages students through reading, comprehension questions, and the creation of a foldable summarizing their discoveries.
The resource includes two leveled nonfiction articles (Lexile 1100–1300), five to seven comprehension questions, a hands-on mini-project, and an optional Cornell notes template. Visuals are included for print or digital use, and the materials are suitable for both in-person and virtual learning environments.
Ideal for whole-class instruction, sub plans, ISS, or extra credit, this resource supports science literacy and fosters critical thinking. It can be integrated throughout a unit or used to build reading comprehension and encourage class discussions around the development of scientific ideas.
This Plate Tectonics Science Reading Comprehension Lesson helps students explore the historical development of evidence supporting plate tectonic theory. Designed for middle school, the leveled passage highlights the contributions of key scientists and engages students through reading, comprehension questions, and the creation of a foldable summarizing their discoveries.
The resource includes two leveled nonfiction articles (Lexile 1100–1300), five to seven comprehension questions, a hands-on mini-project, and an optional Cornell notes template. Visuals are included for print or digital use, and the materials are suitable for both in-person and virtual learning environments.
Ideal for whole-class instruction, sub plans, ISS, or extra credit, this resource supports science literacy and fosters critical thinking. It can be integrated throughout a unit or used to build reading comprehension and encourage class discussions around the development of scientific ideas.
The Kesler Science Plate Tectonics Writing Prompt engages middle school students in creative exercises to test their knowledge of earth science. Using an interview-style prompt, this activity enriches students’ writing skills while reinforcing their understanding of plate tectonic theory. It is designed for virtual or in-class learning, making it a versatile addition to any science curriculum.
The Plate Tectonics Writing Prompt includes teacher directions, rubrics, and both full and half-sized handouts for flexibility. A digital interactive version is also available, compatible with PowerPoint or Google Slides for remote or in-person learners. The activity works well as a cross-curricular exercise, pre-test assessment, early finisher elaboration, or extra credit option.
This standards-aligned resource provides a creative way to review or extend learning through science writing.
The Kesler Science Plate Tectonics Writing Prompt engages middle school students in creative exercises to test their knowledge of earth science. Using an interview-style prompt, this activity enriches students’ writing skills while reinforcing their understanding of plate tectonic theory. It is designed for virtual or in-class learning, making it a versatile addition to any science curriculum.
The Plate Tectonics Writing Prompt includes teacher directions, rubrics, and both full and half-sized handouts for flexibility. A digital interactive version is also available, compatible with PowerPoint or Google Slides for remote or in-person learners. The activity works well as a cross-curricular exercise, pre-test assessment, early finisher elaboration, or extra credit option.
This standards-aligned resource provides a creative way to review or extend learning through science writing.
The WIKI Tickets© Earth Science Set offers 15 engaging, formative assessments for middle school students, covering topics like the rock cycle, plate tectonics, ecoregions, human impact on the environment, and more. Each topic includes five format options: a full-screen projection version, three printable handouts in various sizes, and a digital interactive version compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides. All materials are aligned to NGSS and TEKS standards, with a bonus table of contents to help teachers quickly locate aligned content.
These colorful, student-friendly assessments are designed for flexible use—as exit tickets, bellringers, or quick comprehension checks—whether in-person or virtually. With digital and print formats included, teachers can easily adapt to any learning environment while keeping students engaged in key earth science concepts.
The WIKI Tickets© Earth Science Set offers 15 engaging formative assessments for middle school students, covering topics like the rock cycle, plate tectonics, ecoregions, human impact on the environment, and more. Each topic includes five format options: a full-screen projection version, three printable handouts in various sizes, and a digital interactive version compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides. All materials are aligned to NGSS and TEKS standards, with a bonus table of contents to help teachers quickly locate aligned content.
These colorful, student-friendly assessments are designed for flexible use—as exit tickets, bellringers, or quick comprehension checks—whether in-person or virtually. With digital and print formats included, teachers can easily adapt to any learning environment while keeping students engaged in key earth science concepts.
The Kesler Science Earth Science Lesson Extensions offer engaging activities for fast finishers, fostering critical thinking and creativity. These extensions are designed to scaffold learning for students ready to dive deeper into earth science topics while aligning with NGSS and TEKS standards. They provide a fun yet rigorous way to enhance lessons and keep students focused during independent work or testing.
Each Lesson Extension includes four core activities: a Puzzler to improve problem-solving, a Maker Space to promote STEAM connections, a Tech Connection to demonstrate learning through digital media, and a Word Master activity to integrate creative writing. These activities ensure students engage with the content in a variety of ways, helping reinforce their understanding.
The Lesson Extensions come with teacher directions, answer keys, and both paper and digital versions for flexibility. Perfect for wrapping up lessons or providing enrichment, these extensions cover a wide range of earth science topics like climate change, fossil fuels, and plate tectonics, all while meeting high-level science standards.
The Kesler Science Earth Science Lesson Extensions offer engaging activities for fast finishers, fostering critical thinking and creativity. These extensions are designed to scaffold learning for students ready to dive deeper into earth science topics while aligning with NGSS and TEKS standards. They provide a fun yet rigorous way to enhance lessons and keep students focused during independent work or testing.
Each Lesson Extension includes four core activities: a Puzzler to improve problem-solving, a Maker Space to promote STEAM connections, a Tech Connection to demonstrate learning through digital media, and a Word Master activity to integrate creative writing. These activities ensure students engage with the content in a variety of ways, helping reinforce their understanding.
The Lesson Extensions come with teacher directions, answer keys, and both paper and digital versions for flexibility. Perfect for wrapping up lessons or providing enrichment, these extensions cover a wide range of earth science topics like climate change, fossil fuels, and plate tectonics, all while meeting high-level science standards.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces and reinforces plate tectonic theory through an engaging, real-world connection. Students begin with an introductory reading about how iguanas support Wegener’s theory of continental drift, followed by comprehension and extension questions. The lesson concludes with an explanatory reading that breaks down the scientific evidence behind plate tectonic theory to deepen understanding.
Designed to support the 5E model, this TEKS-aligned resource fits seamlessly into the Engagement and Elaborate phases of a lesson. It includes teacher directions, answer keys, and multiple format options for projection, print, and digital use. Materials are editable to suit classroom needs and come in both full- and half-sheet versions.
To support diverse learners, the lesson offers two differentiated reading levels: a dependent version and a modified version with sentence starters and accessible language. Whether used in-person or digitally, this no-prep resource helps students connect science concepts to the real world in a meaningful way.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces and reinforces plate tectonic theory through an engaging, real-world connection. Students begin with an introductory reading about how iguanas support Wegener’s theory of continental drift, followed by comprehension and extension questions. The lesson concludes with an explanatory reading that breaks down the scientific evidence behind plate tectonic theory to deepen understanding.
Designed to support the 5E model, this TEKS-aligned resource fits seamlessly into the Engagement and Elaborate phases of a lesson. It includes teacher directions, answer keys, and multiple format options for projection, print, and digital use. Materials are editable to suit classroom needs and come in both full- and half-sheet versions.
To support diverse learners, the lesson offers two differentiated reading levels: a dependent version and a modified version with sentence starters and accessible language. Whether used in-person or digitally, this no-prep resource helps students connect science concepts to the real world in a meaningful way.
Year-Round Resources
These year-round activities will increase your students' understanding of many middle school science topics. All of these activities are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
Visual Data & Graphing
You're not alone if your students struggle with understanding graphs, charts, and tables. It's a skill that takes an enormous amount of practice. This resource will help students build a strong foundation in analyzing data and creating their own data visualizations.
Bell Ringers and Warm-Ups
These middle school science bell ringers are an excellent way to engage your students as soon as they walk into your classroom. This comprehensive FULL YEAR resource includes everything you need to start off each science class with an interesting warm-up activity.
Review Board Games
Each game board has been carefully designed to keep students engaged. There are 10 different action spaces on each board and dozens of question cards. All of the actions are related to science concepts and keep the students motivated throughout the game.
Each game is ready to play. Simply print out the board and the cards and let the students enjoy reviewing nine different units.
Essential Questions
Below are the essential questions associated with the lessons and activities included in this unit. This topic is only one of more than 100 middle school science topics included in the Kesler Science Membership.
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Who was Alfred Wegener?
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What is the historical evidence that supports the Continental Drift Theory?
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What causes the movement of the continents?
Kesler Science Membership
Imagine never having to search for another middle school science lesson again. The membership gives you access to ALL of the Kesler Science products in one place (Yes, including everything above).
Say goodbye to long hours of lesson prep.