Tectonic Plate Movement

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Objective

I can describe how tectonic plates move and interact.

Part 1 of 4

Warm-up video

funsciencedemos · 6:05

We don't generate video — this one is by funsciencedemos on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 4

Key concepts

3 concepts

  1. 1

    Heat moves matter in the Earth, just like in a lava lamp, causing hot material to rise, cool, and then sink.

  2. 2

    The Earth's crust is broken into pieces called plates, and these plates move due to the movement of matter beneath them.

  3. 3

    The movement of the Earth's crust, called plate tectonics, causes events like earthquakes, volcanoes, and the formation of new mountains.

Part 3 of 4

Practice

12 questions

1

What is the main source of heat that drives the movement of matter inside the Earth?

2

In the demonstration, what materials were used to represent the Earth's crust and the matter beneath it?

Part 4 of 4

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

Explain how the heat from inside the Earth causes the tectonic plates to move.

Sample answer included in the free materials

Get the materials

Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

  • Teacher Guide

    Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities

  • Student Handout

    Printable worksheet

  • Slides

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