Science
Lesson Plan
Geology of Mt. Everest
Learning
Objective:
Analyze
and explain large-scale dynamic forces that affect the earth’s
land.
Teacher
Directions:
How did the Himalayas become known as the "roof of the world?" In this
activity, you will learn about the formation of the Himalayas and then
use that information to compare other major types of geologic conversions
affecting the surface of the Earth.
The Himalayas are the greatest mountain system in Asia. More than thirty Himalayan peaks exceed 25,000 ft, with Mount Everest being the tallest at 29,035 feet. The largest peaks in the world are found in the Himalayas, and this is because of their unique formation over many years.
The Himalayas are actually considered "young" because they were formed recently in the earth’s history. The theory about the formation of the Himalayas took shape in the year 1912 when Alfred Wegner developed the theory of continental drift. This theory states that the earth is composed of giant plates called tectonic plates. The continents and oceans of the world lie on these plates. The movement of two continental plates over long periods of time formed the Himalaya Mountains — this is called continental/continental convergence.
The following two resources have more detailed information and diagrams showing how the Himalaya Mountains were formed. The diagrams are particularly helpful. Use the Chain of Events* activity sheet to chronicle the sequence of events that built this great mountain range.
Where
Earth Meets Sky
Understanding
Plate Motions
Now that you have a better understanding of continental/continental convergence, attempt to describe the similarities and differences between continental/continental convergence, continental/oceanic convergence and oceanic/oceanic convergence. Use the Chart* to show these similarities and difference and, once again, the following Web site:
Resources:
Where
Earth Meets Sky
Understanding
Plate Motions
Activity
Sheet:
Chain of Events*
Chart*
Assessment:
Science
Assessment Sheet*
* pdf document (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader, available free from Adobe)