The movement of tectonic plates
I can use evidence to show that the continents have moved and explain how tectonic plate movement happens.
The movement of tectonic plates
I can use evidence to show that the continents have moved and explain how tectonic plate movement happens.
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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.
To help you plan your year 8 geography lesson on: The movement of tectonic plates, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 geography lesson on: The movement of tectonic plates, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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Explore more key stage 3 geography lessons from the Tectonic hazards: Why is Earth restless? unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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