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.
Lesson Plan
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Plate Kinematics

For Teachers 9th - 10th
For this activity, students will observe and understand the basic kinematics of plate movement, how oceans are formed during continental rifting, and the relationship between plate geometry and tectonic data such as earthquakes, heat...
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.
Handout
University of Oregon

The Electronic Universe Project: Plate Boundaries/plate Tectonics

For Students 9th - 10th
Visit this site to learn more about the different types of plate boundaries. Includes color pictures and easy-to-understand examples of how and why plates move the way they do.
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...
Lesson Plan
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Uncovering Plate Tectonics

For Teachers 6th - 8th
In this investigation, middle schoolers will be given an opportunity to make the connection between plate boundary movement and the topographic features of the earth.
Lesson Plan
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Hawaiian Islands: Volcano Ages, Hotspots and Plate Motion

For Teachers 9th - 10th
The ages of volcanic rocks are used to investigate speed of motion of the Pacific plate, to analyze the distinctive bend in the chain, and to consider the age data in the context of a hotspot model of formation.
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
Utah Education Network

Uen: Where Are the Plates?

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students will use the trenches, ridges and rises to determine the plate boundaries on Earth.
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.
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
University of California

Ucmp: Plate Tectonics: The Mechanism

For Students 9th - 10th
A basic description of the driving force behind plate movement. Describes major features of the ocean floor including mid-oceanic ridges.
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...
Lesson Plan
National Earth Science Teachers Association

Windows to the Universe: Snack Tectonics

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students 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...
Handout
Indiana University

Indiana University Bloomington: Earthquakes in Indiana [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
A detailed brochure with lots of information about the earthquakes that occur in Indiana. Discusses plate tectonics, how fault zones developed in the Mississippi River Valley, faults in Indiana, earthquakes that affected Indiana in the...
eBook
Libre Text

Libre Texts: Understanding Plate Tectonics

For Students 9th - 10th
Scientists have a fairly good understanding of how the plates of the Earth move and how such movements relate to earthquake activity. Most movement occurs along narrow zones between plates where the results of plate-tectonic forces are...
Website
Enchanted Learning

Enchanted Learning: All About Plate Tectonics

For Students Pre-K - 1st
Simple discussion of plate tectonics and Pangaea. Includes maps and interactives.
Lesson Plan
American Geosciences Institute

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

For Teachers 9th - 10th
In this lesson, young scholars 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...
Handout
University of California

Ucmp: Wegener (1880 1930)

For Students 9th - 10th
Complete biographical information with links to his theories. Contains links to interactives on plate tectonics.
Interactive
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: Mountain Maker, Earth Shaker

For Students 9th - 10th
This interactive activity adapted from A Science Odyssey Web site helps you visualize different types of plate tectonic activity and shows the impact this activity has on Earth's surface.
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.
Lesson Plan
Other

Usra: Lunar and Planetary Institute: Hot Spot Activity [Pdf]

For Teachers 9th - 10th
In this lesson, young scholars will measure the distances between Hawaiian islands, and convert and graph their data to determine the speed of the Pacific Plate.
Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

Alex: Jingle Bells Paper Plate Dance

For Teachers Pre-K - 1st
This lesson teaches students a series of dance steps in order to move rhythmically to a song while also manipulating a paper plate.
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....

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