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
World Map of Plate Boundaries ActivityWorld Map of Plate Boundaries Activity
Publisher
Oregon State
Resource Details
Curator Rating
Educator Rating
Not yet Rated
Grade
4th - 10th
Subjects
Science
2 more...
Resource Types
Activities & Projects
3 more...
Audience
For Teacher Use
Duration
1 hr
Instructional Strategies
Collaborative Learning
6 more...
Technology
Video
Projection
Internet Access
Year
2013
Activity

World Map of Plate Boundaries

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This World Map of Plate Boundaries activity also includes:
  • IRIS Videos
  • IRIS Animations
  • World Tectonic Mapping Activity
  • Worksheet
  • Map
  • Student Reference
  • Answer Key
  • Vocabulary
  • Join to access all included materials

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.

1731 Views 1472 Downloads
CCSS: Adaptable

Concepts

plate boundaries, plate movement, plate tectonics, earthquakes, the lithosphere, the earth's layers, geology, land formations, convergent boundaries, divergent boundaries, transform boundaries

Additional Tags

science

Instructional Ideas

  • Include this lesson in an earth science unit on plate tectonics in the upper-elementary or middle school grade levels
  • Assign specific discussion questions for students to respond to in their science journals
  • After completing the activity, allow students to share their finding during a whole class discussion

Classroom Considerations

  • Create laminated copies of the included maps for use during plate tectonics lessons year after year
  • Based on the abilities of your students, decide whether you want them to complete this activity independently, with a partner, or in small groups

Pros

  • An extensive list of discussion questions is included to support students during this inquiry-based lesson
  • A handout is provided that clearly defines and illustrates different types of tectonic plate boundaries
  • Provides links to additional digital resources, including an interactive plate tectonic map
  • An answer key is provided for the included worksheet

Cons

  • None

Common Core

RI.4.7 RI.5.7 L.4.6 L.5.6 RST.6-8.4 RST.6-8.7 RST.6-8.9 RST.9-10.4 RST.9-10.9

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
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
Handout

QuakeFeed Earthquake Map, Alerts and News

Artisan Global
Amateur seismologists explore Earth's earthquakes in real time using a variety of map styles and parameter selections.
6th - 12th Science
Instructional Video

Miss Selle's Science Songs - Plate Tectonics

Curated OER
Middle school scientists will think you're the coolest teacher on the planet when you use this video to help them understand the basics of plate tectonics. The lyrics, compiled by science teacher Sue Selle, are played to the music from...
4 mins 5th - 8th Science
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
Activity

Plate Tectonics

Curated OER
Help young scientists piece together the theory of plate tectonics with this comprehensive collection of materials. Whether your are looking for worksheets, hands-on activities, or assessments, this resource has everything...
4th - 10th Science
CCSS: Adaptable
Interactive

Map a Model Solar System

PBS
Creating a solar system map is a snap thanks to a hands-on activity! Science scholars explore the solar system by building it wherever they choose during an interactive from PBS's Space series. Users pick both the location and scale for...
6th - 8th Science
CCSS: Adaptable
Instructional Video

ESS2B - Plate Tectonics and Large-Scale System Interactions

Bozeman Science
Take the mystery away from earthquakes. A video lesson explains the theory of plate tectonics and how it relates to earthquakes, volcanoes, mountains, and oceanic trenches. The instructor gives specific feedback on the progression of the...
6 mins 2nd - 12th 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