Plate tectonics is a theory that has explanatory and predictive powers.

Background
Plate tectonics is a theory that has explanatory and predictive powers. It has been developed and modified over the centuries by scientists whose observations and explanations were influenced by their personal beliefs and prior knowledge. The story of the development of the theory of plate tectonics is a story of science in action.  Science in action—this is the object of our study. In this assignment, you will see that scientists do not always agree that explanations change as more information becomes available, that creative thinking and imagination are vital to scientific endeavors, and that science produces a growing, changing body of knowledge. In the process, you will also learn about the theory of plate tectonics.
Assignment Instructions
Go the This Dynamic Earth: the Story of Plate Tectonics website. Begin reading from the Preface all the way through to the Endnotes.
Go to the Geology: Plate Tectonics website. Read the two pages: The History Behind Plate Tectonics and The Mechanisms Driving Plate Tectonics.  Watch the animated images.
Answer each of the following questions with a three-sentence response:
Describe the theory of continental drift, include who proposed the theory and when.
What scientific evidence was used to support the theory of continental drift? Identify and explain at least two types of evidence.
Described the problems with the theory of continental drift?
What proposed explanations overcame the problem of how the continents moved?
How does the presence of ocean ridges and trenches support the theory that the continentals move?
How does sea floor spreading support the theory that continentals move?
How was sea floor spreading tested as a hypothesis?
How does the fossil record support the theory of plate tectonics?
How does the distribution and pattern of earthquakes support the theory?
Write an original, basic summary of the theory of plate tectonics.