Tectonic plates
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe evidence of how we know tectonic plates move across the surface of Earth.
Key learning points
- Occurrences of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions suggest Earth’s layers are not static but interact with each other.
- Evidence, such as rock formations and fossils, supports the idea that the continents were once all joined up.
- Earth’s crust is broken into pieces known as tectonic plates, which move very, very slowly.
- Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that explains how tectonic plates move and interact with each other.
- Plate tectonics help scientists better understand and predict changes to Earth’s surface.
Keywords
Continental drift - A theory that proposed Earth's continents were once one landmass and gradually drifted apart over time.
Continental crust - Parts of Earth's crust that are found below landmasses is referred to as continental crust.
Oceanic crust - Parts of Earth's crust that are found below oceans is referred to as oceanic crust.
Tectonic plate - A tectonic plate consists of Earth's crust and the uppermost mantle that lies beneath it.
Plate tectonics - A theory that explains why continental landmasses move due to tectonic plates.
Common misconception
Some pupils (and teachers and even textbooks) suggest that plate movement is due solely to convection currents.
Stress that the understanding of what drives of tectonic plate moment is still developing; using demonstrations to reinforce the current understanding of slab pull and ridge push are helpful. Avoid any demos that reinforce ideas the mantle is liquid.
Teacher tip
This lesson represents a great opportunity for some cross–curricular work – research and present information about specific earthquakes / volcanoes. Or perhaps do a case study about hot spots and the formation of Iceland or Hawaii.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Sort the following layers of Earth from the outermost to the innermost layer.
Q2.Which layer of Earth is composed mostly of iron and nickel and exists in both solid and liquid forms?
Q3.True or false? The mantle is the thickest layer of Earth.
Q4.Which type of rock often contains fossils or shell fragments?
Q5.Which of the following properties help geologists determine the age and formation process of rocks?
Q6.Which layer of Earth is primarily responsible for its magnetic field?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the following events to their characteristics:
Occurs at boundaries of tectonic plates, involves eruption of magma.
Sudden shaking of the ground caused by movements of tectonic plates.
Q2.What is a tectonic plate?
Q3.Which of the following theories or concepts explains the movement of continental landmasses?
Q4.Which of the following are the primary sources of evidence supporting the theory of continental drift?
Q5.True or false? Tectonic plates only move due to convection currents in the mantle.
Q6. is the force exerted by a sinking tectonic plate as it moves down into the mantle. This process helps drive the movement of tectonic plates.
To help you plan your 8 science lesson on: Tectonic plates, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 science lesson on: Tectonic plates, 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 3 science lessons from the Earth's resources unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.