Lesson Planet
Search educational resources
  • Sign In Try It Free
  • AI Teacher Tools
    • Discover Resources Search reviewed educational resources by keyword, subject, grade, type, and more
    • Curriculum Manager (My Content) Manage saved and uploaded resources and folders To Access the Curriculum Manager Sign In or Join Now
    • Browse Resource Directory Browse educational resources by subject and topic
    • Curriculum Calendar Explore curriculum resources by date
    • Lesson Planning Articles Timely and inspiring teaching ideas that you can apply in your classroom
    • Our Story
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Testimonials
    • Contact Us
  • Pricing
  • School Access
    • Your school or district can sign up for Lesson Planet — with no cost to teachers
      Learn More
  • Sign In
  • Try It Free

Hi, what do you want to do?

Create a lesson plan
Create a lesson plan
Generate resources with 80+ AI teacher tools
Generate resources with 80+ AI teacher tools
Search 200,000 instructional videos
Search 200,000 instructional videos
Find a teaching resource
Find a teaching resource
The Biggest Plates on Earth Lesson PlanThe Biggest Plates on Earth Lesson Plan
Publisher
NOAA
Resource Details
Curator Rating
Educator Rating
Not yet Rated
Grade
6th - 12th
Subjects
Science
2 more...
Resource Type
Lesson Plans
Audience
For Teacher Use
Duration
14 days
Instructional Strategies
Discussion
1 more...
Technology
Video
Internet Access
Lesson Plan

The Biggest Plates on Earth

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This The Biggest Plates on Earth lesson plan also includes:
  • Learning Ocean Science Through Ocean Exploration
  • Map
  • Activity
  • Student Reference
  • Join to access all included materials

The deepest part of the ocean is the Marianas trench where two tectonic plates meet. Scholars explore plate tectonics and their boundary types by completing hands-on activities throughout the lesson. Specific areas, such as the Galapagos and the Hawaiian islands, are a focus for two activities as well. 

108 Views 100 Downloads
CCSS: Adaptable

Concepts

plate boundaries, plate tectonics, hydrothermal vents, islands

Additional Tags

science

Instructional Ideas

  • Great activities to teach plate tectonics and boundaries

Classroom Considerations

  • Activity consists of five separate lessons; depending upon teacher needs and efficiency of classes, duration may be shorter than two weeks
  • Quite a few different maps are necessary for these activities and linked in the materials portion of each lesson
  • Part five in a series of 10

Pros

  • Five separate lessons that flow and connect to teach major concepts in plate tectonics
  • Activities also include independent portions that really challenge individuals

Cons

  • None

Common Core

RST.9-10.3

See similar resources:

Lesson Plan

Edible Plate Tectonics

Science 4 Inquiry
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...
6th - 8th Science
CCSS: Adaptable
Lesson Plan

Plate Tectonics I

NOAA
Young geologists get a glimpse beneath the earth's surface in this plate tectonics investigation. After first learning about the different layers of the earth and the constant movement of its plates, young...
6th - 10th Science
CCSS: Adaptable
Lesson Plan

Teaching About Plate Tectonics and Faulting Using Foam Models

Curated OER
Young scientists learn about plate tectonics and the three different types of faults (normal, reverse, and strike-slip) using foam models. The activity also covers common types of locations where these faults are found.
9th - 12th Science
Lesson Plan

Condensation Polymerization: Preparation of Two Types of Polyesters

Curated OER
College-level or AP chemists use phthalic anhydride to synthesize two different polyesters, one linear and one cross-linked in structure. A detailed materials list and well-written procedures are provided on a lab sheet. Learners write...
11th - Higher Ed Science
PPT

This Dynamic Earth: The Story of Plate Tectonics

Curated OER
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...
5th - 8th Science
PPT

Plate Tectonics - Evolution of the Earth

Curated OER
Tons of photographs, diagrams, animations, and satellite images fill the slides of an education earth science presentation. It begins with volcanic activity and earthquakes, and then moves into plate tectonics, boundaries, and driving...
7th - 12th Science
Instructional Video

Plate Tectonics Explained

MinuteEarth
Ready to teach plate tectonics but not sure where to begin? Start with a short video that is long on learning! Junior earth scientists discover the basics of plate tectonics, complete with colorful analogies and explanations. The...
3 mins 6th - 12th Science
CCSS: Adaptable
Interactive

Plate Tectonics Interactive

NOAA
Here is a plate tectonics interactive that will really move your class! The first of a 13-part series introduces young geologists to the fundamental concepts and vocabulary they need to understand the interactions between...
6th - 12th Science
Lesson Plan

Plate Tectonics Day 4 Earth's Interior Structure and Convection Currents

Curated OER
Students introduced to the interior structure of the Earth. They explore how the Earth's interior is broken down according to both it's physical properties and it's chemical composition. Students explore how convection currents within...
6th - 8th Science
Activity

Earthquakes Living Lab: The Theory of Plate Tectonics

Teach Engineering
Find out if your class agrees with Ice Age: Continental Drift ... or if it's just a fun family movie! Class members research the theory of continental drift, examine evidence of plate tectonics, connect...
6th - 8th Science
Try It Free
© 1999-2026 Learning Explorer, Inc.
Teacher Lesson Plans, Worksheets and Resources

Sign up for the Lesson Planet Monthly Newsletter

Open Educational Resources (OER)

  • Health
  • Language Arts
  • Languages
  • Math
  • Physical Education
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Special Education
  • Visual and Performing Arts
View All Lesson Plans

Discover Resources

  • Our Review Process
  • How it Works
  • How to Search
  • Create a Collection

Manage Curriculum

  • Edit a Collection
  • Assign to Students
  • Manage My Content
Contact Us Site Map Privacy Policy Terms of Use