Earth's Processes Take Home Test

Science Take-Home Pretest

Earth’s Processes of Change

This is a take home test for the first of two middle school geology units. This test is designed to accomplish two goals. First, and most important, is the chance for you to monitor and evaluate the progress that you see in your student. Second is the opportunity to discover what your student is doing and learning at school. I will use your evaluation as part of the grade for this pre-test and greatly appreciate the time that you will be taking for this activity.

There are several questions that your student needs to answer. Students are allowed to use any notes that they have written. Typed material that was handed out in class may not be used. I do not expect you to know all of the answers – just listen and base your score on how well you feel that they knew the information. You only need to use your best judgement.

Grade each question and record the score to the left of the question. The score will be based on eight questions. Only two questions can be skipped. The scoring is as follows:

A Fully explains the answer with little need for notes, except for diagrams or samples.

B Can explain the answer but may have some points where notes have to be read before continuing the explanation.

C Can explain the answer but needs extensive use of notes. Some parts of the answer may not be clear, but, overall, the answer seems to make sense.

D Can explain only part of the answer with the use of notes.

Score Question

_____ 1. Explain the Law of Superposition and cross-cutting, and explain how they can be used together.

_____ 2. Explain how a glacier can change the shape of Earth’s surface.

_____ 3. What evidence was used by Wegner in his idea of Continental Drift?

_____ 4. Demonstrate the differences between a convergent and divergent boundary. Give examples of where both can be found on a world map.

_____ 5. Describe the forces that cause each kind of fold and each kind of fault.

_____ 6. How does magma type influence the shape of a volcano.

_____ 7. Explain how crustal plates move and create features on Earth’s surface.

_____ 8. Choose five different ways Earth’s surface can change and explain how each occurs.

_____ 9. Explain two different ways that we can determine the age of a fossil.

_____ 10. The absolute and relative age could be different for the same object.

Explain how this can occur.

This test must be completed by ___________. If you wish to have another adult or teacher administer the test, sign in the appropriate place below. In the event that this test is not returned by ____________, your student will receive a zero (0) on this assignment.

__________________ (student’s name) has completed this test with me.

__________________________________ Parent / Guardian

__________________________________ Other Adult (only if necessary)

__________________________________ Date