--- title: 8.ESS2.5 description: 8.ESS2.5 Construct a scientific explanation using data that explains the gradual process of plate tectonics accounting for A) the distribution of fossils on different continents, B) the occurrence of earthquakes, and C) continental and ocean floor features (including mountains, volcanoes, faults, and trenches). image: https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Right%20Image.png --- [![Teacher Login](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/347944/f56bee57-133e-4975-8055-799f1f23588b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/347944/f56bee57-133e-4975-8055-799f1f23588b) [Teacher Login](https://app.knowatom.com/signin) [![KnowAtom Logo](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/KnowAtom%20Logo.svg "KnowAtom Logo")](https://www.knowatom.com/) # 8.ESS2.5 Construct a scientific explanation using data that explains the gradual process of plate tectonics accounting for A) the distribution of fossils on different continents, B) the occurrence of earthquakes, and C) continental and ocean floor features (including mountains, volcanoes, faults, and trenches). [![Download a Sample Unit](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/347944/20eee377-e175-48fe-a039-ae723137a2a6.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/347944/20eee377-e175-48fe-a039-ae723137a2a6) Science & Engineering Practices - [Developing and using models](https://www.knowatom.com/developing-and-using-models) - [Planning and carrying out investigations](https://www.knowatom.com/planning-and-carrying-out-investigations) - [Constructing explanations and designing solutions](https://www.knowatom.com/constructing-explanations-and-designing-solutions) - [Engaging in argument from evidence](https://www.knowatom.com/engaging-in-argument-from-evidence) - [Obtaining evaluating and communicating information](https://www.knowatom.com/obtaining-evaluating-and-communicating-information) Disciplinary Core Ideas - [Weather and Climate](https://www.knowatom.com/weather-and-climate) - [Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer](https://www.knowatom.com/conservation-of-energy-and-energy-transfer) Crosscutting Concepts - [Patterns](https://www.knowatom.com/patterns) - [Cause and Effect](https://www.knowatom.com/cause-and-effect) [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/347944/b5a1446e-d782-4a5f-a019-0b3b98c8304f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/347944/b5a1446e-d782-4a5f-a019-0b3b98c8304f) ## Browse 8.ESS2.5 Lesson Plans Grade Ranges All K-2 3-5 6-8 [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Grade/Screenshot%20(38).png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/7th-grade-science/climate-analysis) ## [Climate Analysis In this unit, students focus on the phenomena of Earth’s ice as they model how glaciers shape Earth’s surface. In this lesson, they investigate how scientists use ice cores to reconstruct Earth’s past climates and environments. This page is a high-level extract of this lesson.](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/7th-grade-science/climate-analysis) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/7th-grade-science/climate-analysis) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Grade/Screenshot%20(39).png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/7th-grade-science/fossils-and-tectonic-plate-motion) ## [Fossils and Tectonic Plate Motion In this unit, students focus on phenomena related to Earth’s ice as they model how glaciers shape Earth’s surface, and investigate how scientists use ice cores to reconstruct Earth’s past climates and environments. In this lesson, students analyze how scientists can use the science phenomena of fossils in rock layers as evidence for past changes on Earth. This page showcases all the components of this lesson.](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/7th-grade-science/fossils-and-tectonic-plate-motion) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/7th-grade-science/fossils-and-tectonic-plate-motion) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image1-Oct-08-2023-08-40-05-8079-PM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/6th-grade-science/weathering-and-erosion) ## [Weathering and Erosion In this unit, students focus on the science phenomena of processes that change Earth’s surface over time. This lesson has students modeling how Earth’s landforms can be created and then broken down by weathering and erosion. This page is a high-level extract of this lesson. ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/6th-grade-science/weathering-and-erosion) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/6th-grade-science/weathering-and-erosion) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image4-Oct-08-2023-08-40-03-9553-PM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/6th-grade-science/earth-materials) ## [Earth Materials In this unit, students focus on the processes that cycle Earth materials, connecting the movement of water in the water cycle and wind with changes to Earth’s surface through weathering and erosion. In this lesson, students explore the science phenomena of how convection in Earth’s mantle causes the tectonic plates to move, creating many of Earth’s landforms. This page showcases key components of this lesson.](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/6th-grade-science/earth-materials) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/6th-grade-science/earth-materials) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/landforms-book1.jpg) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/6th-grade-science/earth-geologic-history) ## [Earth's Geologic History In this unit, students explore phenomena that change Earth’s surface over time, analyzing how weathering, erosion, and convection in the mantle are three phenomena that help to cycle Earth materials. ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/6th-grade-science/earth-geologic-history) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/6th-grade-science/earth-geologic-history) Standards citation: NGSS Lead States. 2013. *Next Generation Science Standards: For States, By State*s. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. 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