Ask students what they would look for as evidence of plate tectonics. Have them compose a list in their work groups. Show students the Welcome to the Planets slide shows for Mercury and Venus. Their goal is to determine whether or not these planets and moons show signs of plate tectonics. The groups are to compose 1-2 page reports stating and supporting their decision.
Reports are to be assessed on completeness and ability to support their conclusion.
This would act as a culminating lesson plan for a solar system unit. This lesson should be presented about halfway through the unit to allow sufficient time for research and development of their project. During the course of their study of the solar system, students have become aware of the different ways in which we classify the parts of the solar system. As a part of this unit, their groups will be assigned different components, including the sun, terrestrial planets, Jovian planets, asteroid belt, Kuiper belt objects, Oort Cloud comets, and Apollo asteroids. This will act as an example of a well-developed multimedia presentation.