Lesson Plan
National Earth Science Teachers Association

Windows to the Universe: Snack Tectonics

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Learners create a model using food that simulates the layering and movement of tectonic plates. Overheads are provided that demonstrate different ways to position the graham crackers, frosting, and fruit roll-ups to emulate how the...
PPT
NASA

Nasa: Slr and Gps (And Plate Tectonics and Earthquakes) [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
This slideshow explains how satellites are used to measure the movement of tectonic plates.
Handout
Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology

Iris: Gps Measuring Plate Motion [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource looks at how geologists are able to measure the movement of tectonic plates using satellite-based data and how they were able to surmise in the past that the plates were moving. It also discusses how to read GPS time-series...
Handout
Indiana University

Indiana University: Evolution of Continents and Oceans

For Students 9th - 10th
A course lecture on how the Earth's geological features have evolved through the movements of tectonic plates. Explains the different types of plate boundaries and how they manifest in geological formations. Also describes the structure...
Unit Plan
E-learning for Kids

E Learning for Kids: Madagascar: What Are Tectonic Plates and How Are They Moving?

For Students 5th - 7th
This lesson teaches students about tectonic plates, plate boundaries, and their role in earthquakes and volcanoes.
Lesson Plan
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: How Mountains Are Formed

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students investigate how mountains are formed. Concepts include the composition and structure of the Earth's tectonic plates and tectonic plate boundaries, with an emphasis on plate convergence as it relates to mountain formation....
Website
PBS

A Science Odyssey: You Try It: Plate Tectonics

For Students 9th - 10th
Using your computer mouse you can simulate transforming, collisional, divergent and convergent plate boundaries. Descriptions of each plate boundary are also available.
Interactive
American Museum of Natural History

American Museum of Natural History: O Logy: Plates on the Move

For Students 9th - 10th
Find an interrelated set of tools--maps, animations, diagrams, photographs, and text--to help you understand tectonic plates and how they move.
Handout
CK-12 Foundation

Ck 12: Earth Science: Plate Tectonics Through Earth History Study Guide

For Students 6th - 8th
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Summarizes the key points about the movement of tectonic plates throughout Earth's history. Includes a few questions to check for understanding.
Handout
Science Struck

Science Struck: Theory of Plate Tectonics

For Students 9th - 10th
A detailed discussion of plate tectonics. Looks at continental drift, types of tectonic plates and plate boundaries, and primary and secondary tectonic plates.
Website
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: Tectonic Plate Movement in Alaska

For Students 9th - 10th
In this video adapted from KUAC-TV and the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, learn how tectonic plate movement is responsible for building mountains, such as the Wrangell and St. Elias Mountains. 2m 16s
Interactive
South Carolina Educational Television

Know It All Media: Plate Tectonics: Plate Movements

For Students 3rd - 8th
Animated simulations showing the three types of plate movements: divergent, convergent, and lateral plate boundaries.
PPT
Northwestern University

Northwestern University: Measuring Plate Motions [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
This slideshow gives an advanced-level explanation of how to calculate the distance that tectonic plates move by using Physics formulas and concepts. Includes a discussion of marine magnetic anomalies and how these impact plate movement....
Lesson Plan
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Analyzing Plate Motion Using Earth Scope Gps Data

For Teachers 9th - 10th
In this chapter, you will access Global Positioning System (GPS) data from the Plate Boundary Observatory (PBO) and analyze the data in a spreadsheet to measure the motion of GPS stations in the Pacific Northwest. From your analyses, you...
Unit Plan
National Institute of Educational Technologies and Teacher Training (Spain)

Ministerio De Educacion: Estructura Interna De La Tierra

For Students 9th - 10th
In addition to exploring the inside of the earth, this unit will explore the consequences on the dynamics of the outer layers; it will deepen the knowledge of plate tectonics and the movement of the plates in the past. It includes 16...
Website
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: Dynamic Earth: Plates and Boundaries

For Students 9th - 10th
Interactive website where students can learn about movement of earth's 15 major tectonoic plates and identify types of boundaries. Includes glossary and learning game.
Handout
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Expeditions to the Sea Floor: Plate Tectonics

For Students 9th - 10th
Interactive site provides information on the Breakup of Pangea, plate boundaries, plate movements as well as a quiz.
Handout
Other

University of Delaware: Plate Tectonics

For Students 3rd - 8th
This site is a very simple overview of plate tectonics. It includes a map of all the major plates and a diagram of the layers of the earth.
Lesson Plan
American Geosciences Institute

American Geosciences Institute: Earth Science Week: A Model of Three Faults

For Teachers 9th - 10th
In this lesson, students learn about the different kinds of faults and plate boundaries and where they can be found. They research and report on the faults that are present in their state. They are also asked to develop models of three...
eBook
Libre Text

Libre Text: Plate Tectonics and People

For Students 9th - 10th
Over geologic time, plate movements in concert with other geologic processes, such as glacial and stream erosion, have created some of nature's most magnificent scenery. The Himalayas, the Swiss Alps, and the Andes are some spectacular...
Unit Plan
University of California

University of California: Understanding Earthquakes

For Students 3rd - 8th
This website is a resource for learning about earthquakes. Java animation at this site helps you visually understand the causes of earthquakes.
Article
Story Behind the Science

Story Behind the Science: Development of a Mechanism for Continental Drift [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
Article describing the history of scientific theories about continental drift, and the major researchers involved in this work.
Handout
Science Struck

Science Struck: The Theory of Continental Drift

For Students 9th - 10th
Explains what is meant by the Theory of Continental Drift, its earliest proponents, the stages of continental drift, the causes related to tectonic plate movement, the evidence that has been found, and how the Himalaya Mountains offer...
Handout
The History Cat

The History Cat: Geography: Places: Africa's Great Rift Valley

For Students 4th - 8th
Describes the geography of the Great Rift Valley in Africa, how it was formed by tectonic plate separation, and the majestic lakes and falls that have been created by it.