Alfred Wegener: Pangaea (Pangea) and Continental Drift

This is an informational passage and assessment on Alfred Wegener and the theory of continental drift (Pangaea), something we all know a bit about but very few understand completely. In keeping with the needs of middle school-age students, the text is written in an interesting and understandable style and is not overly scientific. It was written specifically for Grade 5-8 students and can be used in a number of ways by teachers (close reading, direct instruction in class, independent practice, homework, test prep, assessment, sub work, centers, etc). Please see the Preview for an idea of the text style and also the assessment questions at the end of the reading. A bonus crossword puzzle has recently been added for your early finishers or an alternative assessment option.

Informational passages and assessments that are close-reading ready as well as lengthy and engaging are an important aspect of many elementary and middle school ELA programs.

This printable resource includes:

1) An engaging 950-word informational passage called “Alfred Wegener and Continental Drift.” The passage is at a 5th-8th grade reading level and tells in understandable and interesting language what the theory of continental drift is, Wegener's proof for it, and how the theory of Pangaea has been refined over the years since his death.

2) A set of 20 questions, including vocabulary and comprehension work. Common Core Informational Text Standards addressed include:

RI.5.3. Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text based on specific information in the text.

RI.5.4. Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases in a text relevant to a grade 5 topic or subject area.

RI.6.1. Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

There is a challenge activity at the end related to the future location of the continents.

3) Answers to every question.

This item is a digital download from my TpT store. This item is bound by copyright laws and the redistributing, editing, selling, or posting this item (or any part thereof) on the Internet are all strictly prohibited without first gaining permission from the author. Violations are subject to the penalties of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

Any claims of correlation or alignment to the Common Core State Standards are solely those of Mark Aaron and have not been evaluated or endorsed by the NGA. Mark Aaron is the sole creator of this product and does not claim endorsement or association with the creators of the CCSS.