Trace the development of plate tectonics theory as an explanation for movement of Earth's lithosphere in light of new geological evidence, including knowledge of tectonic plates and movement at plate boundaries.

Provide examples of past theories and ideas, including cultural mythology, that explain geological phenomena such as volcanic activity, earthquakes, and mountain building.

Construct a visual representation of the composition of Earth, including the crust, upper and lower mantle, core, and inner core.

Create models or simulations of the processes of mountain formation and the folding and faulting of Earth's surface, including movements at diverging, converging, and transform plate boundaries.

Describe societal and environmental impacts of some catastrophic geological events, including earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions, which have occurred on or near Earth's surface and predict the impacts of future events.

Work cooperatively with group members to research catastrophic geological events and integrate individual findings into a chronological model or time scale of major events in Earth's geological history.

Organize data on the geographical and chronological distribution of earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions to determine patterns and trends in data and relationships among variables.

Explain the operation of tools scientists use to measure and describe the effects of catastrophic geological events, including earthquakes and volcanoes (e.g., seismograph, Mercalli intensity scale, and Richter magnitude scale).

Provide examples of how science and technology affect self and community through understanding, predicting, and minimizing the effects of catastrophic geological events (e.g., earthquake resistant construction, earthquake and tsunami preparedness, and minimizing climatic effects of volcanic eruptions).