View a video presentation comparing chemosynthesis to photosynthesis. Review the findings of the 2004 Ring of Fire Expedition that studied biological communities around the hydrothermal vents of the Mariana Arc. In...

Your introductory lesson to oceanography can be outlined with this apropos presentation. It touches on the physical features of the ocean floor, waves, tides, and currents. One small issue is that some of the graphics are not of the...

Students discover the major characteristics of volcanoes on the Pacific Ring of Fire. They describe the processes that produce the "Submarine Ring of Fire." students explain the factors that contribute to explosive volcanic eruptions.

Eighth graders build a structure that is able to withstand a simulated earthquake. They research earthquakes, earthquake measurement, and society's preparation for and reaction to them. Pupils build models and present them to the...

High schoolers discover common features of hydrothermal vent fluids. They use this knowledge to locate possible undiscovered hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor.

Sixth graders simulate primary and secondary waves. In this earthquakes waves lesson, 6th graders experiment using a slinky to gain understanding of how waves are created during an earthquake. Students record observations in drawings....

Learners investigate the differentiation of magma to form different minerals present in a rock. By using the model proposed by Bowen, they determine the depth, temperature, and composition of magma. Students explain why some minerals...

Students create a model volcano in groups, and discuss what each part of the model represents as they go along.  In this volcano activity, students come back together as a whole group and discuss what group did the best work,...

In this earthquakes worksheet, students look at maps of earthquake patterns and answer short answer questions. Students answer 12 questions.

Learners explore earthquakes. Using the National Earthquake Information Center website, students plot daily earthquakes on a map. They observe the magnitude of each earthquake. Learners identify the pattern of earthquake locations and...

Learners collect and plot data, then interpret the results and answer questions about the geologic causes and the human effects of volcanic eruption. They participate in a role-play activity and a virtual field trip, as well.

After reading an article on earthquakes and tsunamis, students answer a series of multiple choice questions about what they have learned. All answers can be found within the article, making this a good way to prepare for reading...

In this earthquake worksheet students complete an interactive activity then answer a series of short answer questions on different earthquakes and their magnitude, and epicenter. 

Young oceanographers study the Submarine Ring of Fire, which is a series of deep-water volcanic vents that come up from the ocean floor. Learners take a close look at the unique ecosystems that are associated with these areas, how these...

Instructional module focusing on plate tectonics. Discussion includes plates, plate boundaries, and driving forces. Site also includes an interactive practice quiz and links relating to the topic.

Instructional module focusing on the development of plate tectonic theory. Discussion includes the evidence of Pangaea, and the processes of seafloor topography and seafloor spreading. Site also includes an interactive practice quiz and...

[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.

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] The history of plate tectonics past and future.

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] A complete, web-based, multi-media textbook covering a wide variety of Earth science concepts for middle grades.

In this interactive lesson you will learn about the theory of plate tectonics and the three types of plate boundaries that are responsible for Earth's geologic features.

Discover Alfred Wegner's ideas relating to continental drift and seafloor spreading which are both evidence to the concept of plate tectonics.

An earth science collection where learners can explore earthquakes, volcanoes, and more natural phenomena. The collection uses videos and interactive activities to investigate our dynamic planet and earth systems.

This comprehensive study guide covers the main terms and concepts needed for an earth science unit on the earth's tectonic plates. Review questions are included at the bottom of the study guide.

How plate tectonics formed Pangaea. [Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.]