Activity
Science Buddies

Science Buddies: Ring of Fire 1: What Volcanoes Tell Us About Plate Tectonics

For Students 6th - 8th
The Ring of Fire is a region of volcanic and earthquake activity that surrounds the Pacific Ocean. In this project you can explore the connection between plate tectonics and volcanic activity by mapping historical data.
Handout
CK-12 Foundation

Ck 12: Earth Science: Evolution, Plate Tectonics, and Climate Change Study Guide

For Students 9th - 10th
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Summarizes the key points about three theories in Earth Science: the theory of evolution, the theory of plate tectonics, and the theory of climate change due to...
Activity
Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education, Stevens Institute of Technology

Ciese: Musical Plates: A Study of Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This activity has students access USGS earthquake information to plot the their locations on a world map. Doing this will help students discover for themselves the boundaries of tectonic plates.
Lesson Plan
Other

Unavco: Measuring Plate Motion With Gps: Iceland

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students will learn about the architecture that is in place to enable GPS and how to interpret data for a station's position. They will develop a time series plot and use the data to see that the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is rifting Iceland....
Interactive
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: Tectonic Plates, Earthquakes, and Volcanoes

For Students 9th - 10th
This interactive activity produced for Teachers' Domain shows the relationship between tectonic boundaries and the locations of earthquake events and volcanoes around the world.
Interactive
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: Tectonic Plates and Plate Boundaries

For Students 9th - 10th
This interactive activity adapted from NASA features world maps that identify different sections of the Earth's crust called tectonic plates. The locations of different types of plate boundaries are also identified, including convergent,...
Handout
CK-12 Foundation

Ck 12: Earth Science: Intraplate Activity Study Guide

For Students 9th - 10th
This comprehensive study guide covers the main terms and concepts needed for an earth science unit on intraplate activity. Review questions are included at the bottom of the study guide.
Activity
The Franklin Institute

The Franklin Institute: Clay Crash

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Employ this lesson plan from The Franklin Institute to demonstrate plate tectonics and the effects. This is really just a short demonstration that could be incorporated into your existing lesson plan.
Unit Plan
Geographypods

Geographypods: Theme 2: Natural Environments

For Students 9th - 10th
A rich collection of highly engaging learning modules on topics related to the natural environment. Covers four main areas - plate tectonics, forms and processes, weather and climate, and rainforest and desert. Within each of these,...
Online Course
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: Essential Science for Teachers: Earth and Space 3

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Visit an active volcano site to find out the connection between the movement of the Earth's plates and the processes deep within the Earth's interior. [58:23]
Handout
Columbia University

Columbia University: Evidence for Internal Earth Structure and Composition

For Students 9th - 10th
College-level research information describes how the movement of Earth's interior causes seismic wave activity.
Website
US Geological Survey

Usgs: How to Build a Model Illustrating Sea Floor Spreading

For Students 9th - 10th
This is a comprehensive website featuring how to build a model that illustrates sea-floor spreading and subduction. It has diagrams and pictures reviewing major geological concepts.
Lesson Plan
American Geosciences Institute

American Geosciences Institute: Earth Science Week: Ring of Fire

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students identify plate boundaries as well as continents, countries, and bodies of water to become familiar with an area known as the "Ring of Fire."
Handout
Weather Wiz Kids

Weather Wiz Kids: Volcanos

For Students 1st - 5th
Great resource for learning all about tornadoes. Find out how they are formed, how they erupt, the different types, and notable volcanic eruptions. Also includes safety tips, animations, and activities.
Website
US Geological Survey

Usgs: November 29, 1975 Kalapana

For Students 9th - 10th
Describes details of the earthquake of November 29, 1975 Kalapana in Hawaii, the tsunami, and the eruption of the volcano Kilauea as a result of the earthquake.
Lesson Plan
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: Earthquake Formation

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students learn about the structure of the earth and how an earthquake happens. In one activity, students make a model of the earth including all of its layers. In a teacher-led demonstration, students learn about continental drift. In...