Seafloor Ages Lecture Tutorial
Summary
This assignment is done by pairs of students in class after a short introductory lecture on
divergent boundaries. Students work through the worksheet as it guides them towards more
conceptually-difficult questions based on a map of the seafloor ages of the Atlantic Ocean.
Students confront their misconceptions and come away with a more scientifically-correct
understanding of the pattern of ages on the seafloor.
Learning Goals
Students will be able to explain seafloor ages and their pattern as a result of divergent boundaries, and then make interpretations based on the ages. Higher-order thinking skills include critical thinking and simple map reading. An additional skill is working in groups.
Context for Use
This activity can be used in an introductory physical geology or oceanography course of any size with no special equipment necessary. Students should have a basic understanding of divergent boundaries. Students in groups complete this 10-15 minute Lecture Tutorial worksheet after a short lecture on the topic during class. Lecture Tutorials are most effective when used frequently in a course. Read more about how to use Lecture Tutorials.
Description and Teaching Materials
Seafloor Ages Lecture Tutorial worksheet (Acrobat (PDF) 127kB Jan13 09)
Teaching Notes and Tips
For full discussion of how to use Lecture Tutorials, please check the Lecture Tutorials Main Page
Assessment
Lecture Tutorial worksheets are designed to help student confront their misconceptions, but
generally they are not graded. Selected questions are reviewed and answered by the instructor
during class. Rather than grade the Lecture Tutorials, exam questions covering that material can be
used as assessment.
References and Resources
For resources, please check the Lecture
Tutorials References Page
