1. D41

2. D41 Continental Drift Background 1
In 1915 a German scientist, Alfred Wegener ( ) put together several kinds of evidence to come up with a new idea about the history of the continents.
His idea was that the continents were once joined together to form a single large continent called Pangea.
His evidence included the location of similar fossils and rock layers on different continents.

3. D41 Continental Drift Background 2
Over geological time, Pangea split apart and parts of it moved away to form new continents
Today this idea is called continental drift.
“Drift” means that the continents slowly moved away from each other, or drifted apart.
In this activity you will examine more evidence for the movement of continents.

4. D41 Continental Drift Question
CHALLENGE QUESTION:
What is the evidence that the continents have moved?

5. D41 Continental Drift Procedure 1
Read Sheet 41.1 Analyzing Continental Drift.
Discuss what is evidence? What is not?
On Sheet 41.1 read each statement, decide if it is or is not evidence, and mark YES or NO.
Cross out statements that are not evidence.
Decide if you think each piece of evidence supports the idea that the continents have moved, mark YES or NO, & discuss in groups.

6. D41 Cont. Drift: Analysis Date_____ Name___________________ Hour__
Copy & Explain in complete sentences.
Explain how EACH of your “YES” evidence statements from Sheet 41.1 supports the idea of continental drift.
Has anyone besides Wegener contributed evidence that continents moved? Explain.
Write a paragraph about continental drift, describing the history of this idea.