New
New
The movement of tectonic plates
I can use evidence to show that the continents have moved and explain how tectonic plate movement happens.
Lesson 2 of 12
New
New
- Year 8
The movement of tectonic plates
I can use evidence to show that the continents have moved and explain how tectonic plate movement happens.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The theory of continental drift suggests that Earth’s continents were once joined together and later drifted apart.
- Evidence for continental drift includes continents' jigsaw like shape, rock type and fossils matching across continents.
- There are two types of crust; oceanic and continental crust.
- Oceanic crust is dense but thin and continental crust is thicker and less dense.
- Plates move by the processes of slab pull and ridge push.
Keywords
Continent - a large landmass on Earth. There are seven: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania
Tectonic plate - large sections of the lithosphere that are on the move
Density - the mass of something compared to its volume
Common misconception
South America and the South American plate are the same thing.
South America is a continent (land), whereas the South American plate also includes part of the Atlantic ocean.
It is possible to model slab pull by using a chain or scarf hanging off the edge of a table. Let the students see how the weight of the item drags the rest of it down off the table.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is Earth's outermost layer called?
What is Earth's outermost layer called?
Mantle
Core
Lithosphere
Q2.Which layer of Earth is made up of liquid magma?
Which layer of Earth is made up of liquid magma?
Crust
Inner core
Q3.What happens during an earthquake?
What happens during an earthquake?
A volcano erupts
The ocean tides change
Earth’s temperature increases
Q4.Where are most earthquakes and volcanoes found?
Where are most earthquakes and volcanoes found?
In the middle of continents
Near the equator
Only under the ocean
Q5.What is the point on Earth's surface directly above the origin of an earthquake called?
What is the point on Earth's surface directly above the origin of an earthquake called?
Focus
Fault line
Crust
Q6.What does the magnitude of an earthquake measure?
What does the magnitude of an earthquake measure?
The number of people affected
The depth at which the earthquake occurs
The location of the earthquake
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is a tectonic plate?
What is a tectonic plate?
A small piece of Earth’s surface
The ocean floor
A mountain range
Q2.What does the term "density" refer to?
What does the term "density" refer to?
The movement of tectonic plates
The size of a continent
The force causing earthquakes
Q3.Are South America and the South American plate the same thing?
Are South America and the South American plate the same thing?
Yes, they are the same
Yes, they are both located in the same place
No, they are completely different
Q4.Which of the following is not a continent?
Which of the following is not a continent?
Africa
Antarctica
Oceania
