Processes at destructive/convergent plate margins
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the processes at destructive/convergent plate margins and the causes of earthquakes and volcanoes.
Key learning points
- Destructive/convergent plate margins involve two plates moving towards each other.
- Distinctive processes occur at destructive/convergent plate margins.
- Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur at destructive/convergent plate margins and have distinctive characteristics.
Keywords
Subduction - the process at a destructive plate margin where a denser oceanic plate sinks beneath a less dense plate into the mantle
Tsunami - a series of large ocean waves caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or landslides
Magnitude - a measure of the energy released by an earthquake; a higher magnitude means a stronger earthquake
Common misconception
That volcanoes occur directly above where the oceanic plate starts to subduct.
In fact, the melting of the oceanic plate occurs deep in the mantle, so magma rises to the surface some distance away from the plate margin.
Teacher tip
Show students video clips of explosive and effusive volcanic eruption types to underline the differences between them.
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.Which layer of Earth is composed mostly of solid iron and nickel?
Q2.What is a cause of tectonic plate movement?
Q3.Which of the following is a result of tectonic plate movement?
Q4.What type of volcano erupts gently and has broad, sloping sides?
Q5.What is the main reason for the occurrence of tsunamis?
Q6.Which of these statements are true?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords and their definitions.
when one tectonic plate is forced under another plate
a giant ocean wave caused by underwater earthquakes
a measure of the energy released by an earthquake
Q2.What happens at a destructive (convergent) plate margin?
Q3.Put the sentences in the correct order to describe the formation of volcanoes at a destructive plate margin.
Q4.Explosive volcanic eruptions produce a range of very dangerous hazards, including:
To help you plan your 10 geography lesson on: Processes at destructive/convergent 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 destructive/convergent 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.