Processes at constructive/divergent plate margins
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the processes at constructive/divergent plate margins and the causes of earthquakes and volcanoes.
Key learning points
- Constructive/divergent plate margins involve two plates moving away from each other.
- Distinctive processes occur at constructive/divergent plate margins.
- Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur at constructive/divergent plate margins and have distinctive characteristics.
Keywords
Rift valley - a long, narrow depression formed when a tectonic plate stretches and fractures at a constructive margin, causing the land to sink between parallel fault lines
Shield volcano - a broad, gently sloping volcano formed by basaltic lava that is runny and flows easily. Eruptions tend to be effusive rather than explosive - lava flows out
Magnitude - a measure of the energy released by an earthquake; a higher magnitude means a stronger earthquake
Common misconception
Volcanoes only occur on land.
In fact, volcanoes occur underwater as well as on land, especially at constructive plate margins and hot spots.
Teacher tip
GIS provides useful tools for visualising the processes going on at plate margins - see the GIS lesson in this unit for some examples.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the name of the theory that explains the movement of tectonic plates?
Q2.What is an example of a tectonic hazard?
Q3.What are the two main types of tectonic plate?
Q4.Which layer of Earth is made up of tectonic plates?
Q5.Where are most earthquakes and volcanoes found?
Q6.What was Pangea?
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Match the lesson's keywords and their definitions.
Q2.What happens at a constructive (divergent) plate margin?
Q3.Which feature is formed at constructive plate margins?
Q4.What is an example of a constructive plate margin?
Q5.Where can volcanoes form?
To help you plan your 10 geography lesson on: Processes at constructive/divergent plate margins, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 geography lesson on: Processes at constructive/divergent plate margins, 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 Tectonic hazards unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.