Earth has undergone changes over time that completely change how it looked hundreds of years ago. From the smallest grain of sand to the largest mountain ranges, geographic changes are constant and ever evolving.

The concept of continental drift is a topic commonly taught in middle school classroom settings to depict how the earth’s continents have moved and changed over time. Kentucky Academic Standard HS-LS3-3 establishes geographic changes, both above and below Earth’s surface. Students are to explore the topics of tectonic plates, erosion, soil layers, and how the Earth has changed and why. These topics all relate to continental drift and the development of Earth’s surfaces over time (KAS MS. History of Earth, 08-ESS1-4, 2-2, 2-3).

A model showing continental drift made in 3D printing software to create an educational model for classroom use would help students understand how land has moved and where current landmarks sit. The continental drift model is an engaging and interactive way for students to explore the topic of continental drift. By using 3D printing software, the model is created with precision to accurately depict the continents' movement over time.

This model is marketed to the visually impaired but can be used in many settings. Using the model in the classroom provides a tactile way for students to understand the geographic changes that have occurred over time. For those that are hands-on learners, the model may prove useful for conceptualizing how and where the continents moved. For the visually impaired, the model provides a tactile way to identify the locations of the continents now in relation to Pangea.

The supercontinent model works by moving the continents through the track. The continents first are positioned together to form Pangea. Students will then be tasked with moving the individual continents to their modern-day positions by sliding the continents through their designated tracks. The final model will have a unique shape at the bottom of the continents’ tracks so that students will be able to correctly lock the continents into position and differentiate continents to move them from the Pangea positions to their modern-day locations. By exploring the topic of continental drift, students will gain a better understanding of the Earth's structure, plate tectonics, and how these processes are connected to the development of Earth's surfaces over time. This model will highlight processes discussed in the Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) MS. History of the Earth section to meet all required learning targets and supplement other geographic science understanding.

Creality

Ender 5

Doesn't Matter

No

Standard Quality

Varies per part - see notes

Printer Settings :
The following comments are based on experience printing the parts. These settings will change depending on the material used to print the models.

Material: PLA
Nozzle temperature: 200°C nozzle
Bed temperature: 50°C
Print speed: 50-80mm/s.

Printing Each Part :
There are four different part files that together make up the model. It should be noted that the part files were created on different scales. When printing the files, care should be taken to change the size of each print to make the parts compatible. The designers suggest doing so in Ultimaker Cura or a similar printing application. The base and the continents are half the size of the scale of the threaded inserts. This means if the base and continents were scaled to 200%, they would then be compatible with the threaded inserts. The legend part file is appropriately scaled.

Continents:
Infill: 70% or more. If not enough infill the pegs will likely break.
Orientation: Continent down and peg up.
Scaling: 160% or greater. If not larger enough the pegs will likely break.
Supports: None. Supports will be difficult to remove from inside the threading, potentially ruining the print.
Bed Size: Suitable for 235 x 235 mm or larger

Threaded Inserts
Infill: 60% or more
Orientation: Threading up
Scaling: 160% or greater. Scale the same as chosen for the continents.
Supports: None. Supports will be difficult to remove from inside the threading, potentially ruining the print.
Bed Size: Suitable for 235 x 235 mm or larger

Base
Infill: 50% or more
Wall Line Count: 10
Orientation: Legs up
Scaling: 160%
Supports: Not needed
Bed Size: Suitable for 350 x 350mm or larger

Legend
Infill: 25% or more
Orientation: Shapes up.
Scaling: No need to change size
Supports: Not needed
Bed Size: Suitable for 235 x 235 mm or larger

Model Assembly

• Print all four part files using the settings laid out above.

• To use the legend, braille labels that read the names of the shape’s associated continent must be added beside each shape. The continents and their associated shapes are as follows:

Heart: North America
Square: South America
Hexagon: Africa
Triangle: Asia
Decagon: Antarctica
Octagon: Australia
Star: Europe

• Add the following brail labels to each continent:

North America: na
South America: sa
Africa: africa
Asia: asia
Antarctica: ata
Australia: a
Europe: eur

• Match each threaded insert shape to its corresponding continent. Use the legend and the shape embossed on the back of the continent to pair the two.

• Feed the pegs of each continent through their respective tracks on the base. Tracks can be matched with the continents using the shape cut out on either end of each track. The legend can be used to determine the shape-continent pairing.

• Screw the appropriate threaded insert shape on the bottom of the peg that is stuck through the base.

• The continents should “lock” into place on either side of the track by way of the shapes cut into the base.

• To move the continents from their Pangea formation to their current formation, lift on the continent, drag it across the track, and spin it to the correct orientation.

Designed in SolidWorks

Lesson Title: Pangea and Continental Drift
Grade Level(s): 6th-8th
Subject Matter: MS History of Earth: Geoscience
Amount of Time Needed: 3 to 5 days

Description:
In this lesson, students will learn about the concept of continental drift, with a focus on Pangea, the supercontinent that existed millions of years ago. They will explore the geospatial relationships of the continents and how they have moved over time. Students will use a continental drift model for visually impaired students and worksheets to reinforce their understanding of the topic.

Objectives:

• Students will explain the concept of continental drift and identify Pangea on a map.
• Students will understand the geospatial relationships of the continents and how they have moved over time.
• Students will understand the effects of continental drift on climate, flora, and fauna.
• Students will be able to explain the relationship between plate tectonics and continental drift.
• Students will understand how plate boundaries are related to the formation of volcanoes.

Prerequisite Skills: Knowledge of Earth's continents and the solar system.

Materials Needed:

• Continental Drift Model for Visually Impaired Students
• Worksheets showing where continents move

Teacher Preparation:

• Develop a lesson plan that introduces the history of Earth leading into the concept of continental drift.
• Review plate tectonics and its relation to continental drift.
• Create a 3D model to demonstrate how the continents move over time.
• Gather materials needed for activities and worksheets.
• Prepare an assessment to evaluate student understanding of the topic.

A brief overview of a sample lesson plan relating to KAS is outlined below:

Day 1: Introduction to Pangea and Continental Drift

• Objective: Students will be able to identify Pangea on a map and explain the concept of continental drift.
• Begin by introducing the concept of Pangea and showing a map of the supercontinent.
• Discuss the idea of continental drift and ask students if they have any prior knowledge on the topic.
• Use a 3D model to demonstrate how the continents moved over time.
• Have students complete a worksheet where they label the continents on a map of Pangea and draw arrows to show the direction in which they moved.

Day 2: Plate Tectonics and Geospatial Relationships

• Objective: Students will be able to explain the relationship between plate tectonics and continental drift.
• Begin by reviewing plate tectonics and how it relates to the movement of the Earth's crust.
• Have students work in pairs to create a model of a divergent boundary using playdough or clay.
• Demonstrate how the movement of these boundaries can cause continental drift.
• Have students create a drawing that shows how continental drift is related to plate tectonics.

Day 3: Effects of Continental Drift

• Objective: Students will explain the effects of continental drift on climate, flora and fauna.
• Begin by discussing how continental drift has affected climate and the distribution of flora and fauna over time.
• Use a 3D model to demonstrate how the movement of continents has affected ocean currents and the formation of mountain ranges.
• Have students complete a worksheet where they identify the effects of continental drift on climate, flora, and fauna.

Day 4: Plate Boundaries and Volcanoes

• Objective: Students will explain how plate boundaries are related to volcano formation.
• Begin by reviewing the several types of plate boundaries and their characteristics.
• Demonstrate how subduction zones can lead to the formation of volcanoes.
• Have students work in pairs to create a model of a convergent boundary using playdough or clay.
• Have students draw and label a diagram that shows how plate boundaries are related to the formation of volcanoes.

Day 5: Wrap-up and Assessment

• Objective: Students will be able to demonstrate their understanding of continental drift and its effects.
• Have students work in groups to create a presentation on continental drift, including its causes, effects, and relationship to plate tectonics.
• Allow students to present their presentations to the class.
• Have students complete an assessment that evaluates their understanding of continental drift and its effects.