Friendly Volcanoes

Young geologists piece together the puzzle of plate tectonics in an earth science lesson. Given a physical map of the world, they search for land formations that indicate the location of different types of plate boundaries.

Many people think they can't observe plate tectonics, but thanks to GPS, we know that Australia moves at a rate of 2.7 inches per year, North America at 1 inches per year, and the Pacific plate at more than 3 inches per year! Scholars...

Demonstrate the movement of lithospheric plates due to convection in Earth's mantle. Learners then model the movements that occur along plate boundaries using colored clay. 

Discuss Earth's tectonic plates at middle school level with an informative presentation. Packed with maps, satellite images, diagrams, and photographs, the slideshow connects with any curriculum focused on plate tectonics. It...

Here is a comprehensive package in which middle schoolers learn about types of seismic waves, triangulation, and tectonic plate boundaries. Complete vocabulary, colorful maps, and a worksheet are included via links on the webpage. You...

Volcanoes are among the most spectacular geological features on the planet. Jump into an exploration of these amazing phenomenon with this multimedia lesson plan series. Working collaboratively in small groups, young scientists view...

Do you enjoy spending the day at the lake? Maybe not an active lava lake! Viewers watch the fascinating movement of crust on top of molten magma as part of a larger series exploring the story of Earth. Comparisons to tectonic plates...

Tectonic plates are constantly on the move. Explore the movement using an online resource that provides a basic introduction the tectonic plates before offering a game to learn about the individual plates. Learners discover how the...

This lesson teaches students about tectonic plates, plate boundaries, and their role in earthquakes and volcanoes.

Journey underwater for a better look at the tectonic plates and the volcanoes they create. Although this video is slightly dry, it is packed with valuable information and easy-to-understand visual images. Consider using a portion to...