Plate tectonics theory
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the theory of plate tectonics and the mechanisms involved in plate movement.
Key learning points
- Earth's outer layer (lithosphere) is divided into a number of plates.
- Gravitational sliding, involving the processes of 'ridge-push' and 'slab-pull', contributes towards plate movement.
- Earth's surface provides evidence for plate tectonics theory.
Keywords
Tectonic plate - a large, rigid slab of Earth's lithosphere (outer layer) that sits on the semi-solid asthenosphere beneath it
Asthenosphere - a semi-solid layer of Earth's upper mantle
Convection - the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids: warmer, less dense material rises and cooler, denser material sinks, creating a circular flow
Common misconception
Tectonic plates float like rafts on liquid magma.
The mantle is semi-solid rather than a sort of liquid sea of magma.
Teacher tip
The Plate Boundaries layer on ESRI's Geography Visualiser shows the relationship between surface features and plate margins/boundaries.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A is a natural event that has the potential to cause damage, loss of life or economic disruption.
Q2.Order the layers of Earth, starting from the outside and going towards its centre.
Q3.What is magma?
Q4.Which of the following are geological hazards?
Q5.Hazard is the probability that a natural hazard will affect a population.
Q6.The is the outer layer of Earth. It is a thin layer between 0 - 60 km thick upon which we live.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Order the layers of Earth, starting from the surface.
Q2.According to plate tectonic theory, the lithosphere is divided into a number of plates. These plates sit on top of a semi-solid layer of the upper mantle called the asthenosphere.
Q3.What is the lithosphere?
Q4.What are characteristics of the asthenosphere?
Q5.Put the convection current theory in the correct order.
Q6.In 1912, Alfred Wegener published a theory that the continents had once been joined together and had since moved apart. This theory was known as drift.
To help you plan your 10 geography lesson on: Plate tectonics theory, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 geography lesson on: Plate tectonics theory, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 geography lessons from the Natural and tectonic hazards unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.