G10 | Lesson 1 | Intro: Geologic Features & Earth's Structure

LESSON 1

Introduction to Plate Tectonics and Earth's Structure

SCIENCE 10 | Mr. Genesse K. Mercullo

GOALS!

By the end of this lesson, the learners should be able to:

1. Develop a deep appreciation for the diverse range of landscapes shaped by volcanic activity, tectonic processes, and natural forces unique to the Philippines.

2. Unveil the layers of Earth's structure, from the crust to the core, while drawing connections to the Philippines' geological landmarks.

Question

Have you ever wondered why some places on Earth look drastically different from others?
How do things like volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and rivers working over time create the diverse landscapes we see today?

Open Ended

Think about your favorite place to visit, whether it's a breathtaking canyon, a towering mountain, or a scenic coastline.

Can you share why this place is special to you and how geological forces like volcanoes, earthquakes, or rivers might have played a role in shaping its unique features?

Geologists study some of society's most important problems, such as energy, water, and mineral resources; the environment; climate change; and natural hazards like landslides, volcanoes, earthquakes, and floods.

Geology is the science that studies the Earth's physical structure and substances, the history of rocks, the processes that act on them and the most economic way to use the world's resources.

​Unlike many scientists, geologists work outdoors a lot as well as in the laboratory.

Geology is important for our global food supply through identifying ideal growing areas and conditions as well as monitoring soil quality, geology's impact is commonly forgotten in the areas of construction and infrastructure whether in consideration of concrete and masonry for roads or the gypsum that drywall is made of. Regardless of your interests in the world it is some way or another related to geology.

The term "Geological Features" can be defined as any physical feature of the earth's surface - or of the rocks exposed at the surface - that is formed by a geologic process.

Note that the same definition can be applied to the features of any planet or moon (natural satellite).

Are you ready?

How well do you understand geological features?
Lets find out!

Multiple Choice

Which geological process is primarily responsible for the formation of canyons

• Glacial erosion

• Volcanic activity

• Wind deposition

• Water erosion

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of an erosional geological feature?

• Mountain range

• Volcanic crater

• Sinkhole

• Fjord

Fill in the Blank

Mount Mayon, known for its near-perfect cone shape, is a stratovolcano located where in the Philippines?

,

Fill in the Blank

The Chocolate Hills, a famous tourist attraction, are a series of around 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills found in which Philippine province?

Fill in the Blank

The Taal Volcano, known for its picturesque crater lake, is located on which Province in the Philippines?

Match

Match the following

• Elevated landforms often shaped by tectonic forces, influencing local climate and ecosystems.

• Expansive water bodies covering a significant part of Earth's surface, regulating temperatures and s

Mountains

Oceans and Seas

Conical landforms formed by the eruption of molten rock, impacting landscapes ...

Water features that shape the landscape through erosion, transporting sediment, and habitat

Canyons

• Mountains

• Oceans and Seas

• Conical landforms formed by the eruption of molten rock, impacting landscapes ...

• Water features that shape the landscape through erosion, transporting sediment, and habitat

• Canyons

LETS GO!

From towering mountains to hidden canyons, these geological features are Earth's storytellers. They reflect the intricate dance of tectonic forces that shape our planet's exterior, just as Earth's layers reveal its deep-rooted mysteries.

As we explore the beauty above, let's also ponder the secrets below, where the crust, mantle, and core weave a tale of their own.

GREAT JOB ON THE QUESTIONS!

Alright, explorers! Imagine Earth as a giant sandwich.

We all know sandwiches have layers, right?
Well, so does our planet!
Can you help us break down these layers—crust, mantle, and core—and understand how they fit together to create our amazing home?

​Earth's layers are like a layered cake. The crust is where we live, split into continents and oceans. Beneath, the mantle moves like gooey caramel, shaping the surface through heat-driven currents. Deeper, the outer core's liquid iron and nickel create our magnetic field. At the core's center, solid iron-nickel endures extreme heat and pressure. These layers interact to shape Earth's surface, generate its protective shield, and hold clues to our planet's history.

Match

Match the following

• Description: Earth's outer layer where we live. It includes continental crust (under continents) and oceanic crust (under oceans). Rich in minerals and rocks.

• Description: Semi-solid layer beneath the crust. Drives tectonic plate movement through convection currents, shaping Earth's surface over time.

• Description: Large, rigid pieces of Earth's crust that float on the semi-fluid mantle. Their movement leads to the creation of geological features like mountains, earthquakes, and volcanoes. Interactions at plate boundaries shape Earth's surface over time.

• Description: Liquid layer below the mantle. Composed of iron and nickel, generates Earth's magnetic field through convection currents.

• Description: Solid center of Earth, made of iron and nickel. Despite high temperatures, intense pressure keeps it solid, contributing to Earth's heat balance.

Crust

Mantle

Tectonic Plates

Outer Core

Inner Core

• Crust

• Mantle

• Tectonic Plates

• Outer Core

• Inner Core

GREAT JOB!

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?

​SUMMARY TABLE: GEOLOGICAL FEATURES

​SUMMARY TABLE: GEOLOGICAL FEATURES

​SUMMARY TABLE: EARTH'S INTERNAL STRUCTURE