Beyond the Surface: Earth’s Magnetic Memory Revealed in Seafloor Cores

Actvity Summary: Students will be able to analyze data on the magnetic orientation of sediment and rocks within ocean cores to determine when shifts in polarity occurred throughout Earth’s history.

Students will use paleomagnetic data taken from ocean floor drilling Site 1208 to understand that magnetic reversals have occurred throughout Earth’s history. Before starting this lesson, students should be familiar with Earth’s magnetic field and have a thorough understanding of seafloor spreading.

This lesson has been revised and updated based on How Old Is It?

author: Lindsay Mossa

National Science Education Content Standards:

Standard C: Physical science
Standard E: Earth and space science

Next Generation Science Standards: Cross Cutting Concepts:

Cause and effect
Energy and matter

Next Generation Science Standards: Science and Engineering Practices:

Developing and using models
Analyzing and interpreting data
Engaging in argument from evidence

Next Generation Science Standards: Core Ideas:

ESS1. C The history of the planet Earth
PS2.A Forces and motion
PS2.B Types of interactions

JOIDE'S RESOLUTION

Science in Search of Earth's Secrets

JOIDES Resolution

Actvity Summary: Students will be able to analyze data on the magnetic orientation of sediment and rocks within ocean cores to determine when shifts in polarity occurred throughout Earth’s history.