Plate tectonics activities: hands-on project ideas

Plate tectonics classroom learning materials

Plate tectonics is an important concept for students to understand. To help you get started studying plate tectonics in your classroom, I’ve put together this list of eight engaging and hands-on plate tectonics activities and projects to try out in your classroom this year!

Before we dive into these fun tectonic plate activities, let’s review the basics. The theory of plate tectonics is a scientific theory central to the field of geology. This theory explains that the surface of the Earth is broken into large plates that are slowly moving. These plates slide past and over one another. Their motion gradually changes the appearance of Earth’s landmasses and oceans over time. Plate movement also causes earthquakes and volcanic eruptions along plate boundaries. All types of geological phenomena can be tied back to plate tectonic motion!

A note for educators: If you’re an educator planning to teach plate tectonics, try my complete Plate Tectonics Unit! It includes all the printable worksheets, templates, and visual aids you’ll need for studying plate tectonics (plus you’ll support my blog with your purchase! ❤️)

Try building this paper model of Earth’s interior, from my **Plate Tectonics Unit.**

1. Edible layers of the Earth

Make a model of the layers of the Earth using food! Build an edible core, mantle, and crust! There are many possibilities for foods to use. For example, you could use pancakes, fruit, or frosting to create 2D circles to form the core, mantle, and crust.

For a non-edible alternative, try out my layers of the earth printable model templates in my Plate Tectonics Unit.

2. Pangea puzzle

Print out a world map and cut out the continents. Try to figure out how the continents might roughly fit together to form the supercontinent of Pangea.

You can also find an oceans and continents printable coloring page on my free resources page. My email newsletter subscribers can access my full free resources collection.

3. Plate boundaries with sandwich cookies

black round cookies on white surface — Photo by Anshuman Mohapatra on Pexels.com

Create a model of the three main boundary types using sandwich cookies. Remove the top layer of the sandwich cookie (lithosphere), break it in half, and place it back on top of the crème (asthenosphere), arranged as a boundary type. This is a popular classroom activity, and there are many free online guides for this activity (e.g., this one from GeographyEducation.org – external link)

4. Identify plate boundaries

Students can plot locations of earthquakes and volcanic activity using a list of coordinates and a map of Earth. This can help them locate plate boundaries, especially along the Ring of Fire. First, read a blog post about different types of tectonic plate boundaries. You may also wish to print out plate tectonics boundary diagrams, such as the ones found in my Plate Tectonics Unit.

5. Volcano model

Build a model of a volcano and create an eruption using baking soda and vinegar. Discuss the tectonic plate boundary types where volcanoes are typically found (e.g., along convergent boundaries with subduction). Expand your volcano learning by reading about the different types of volcanoes in a blog post.

6. Seafloor age

Read about how scientists determine the age of the seafloor using its magnetic properties (external link; Earth Observatory of Singapore). Then obtain a map showing the seafloor age (e.g., from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website – external link). See if students can use it to determine the locations of divergent boundaries – i.e., where new oceanic crust is forming by looking at the map.

7. Earthquake engineering challenge

Use toothpicks and marshmallows to design structures. Then simulate an earthquake by placing the structures on a jiggling surface. Try different structures to determine which designs hold up best in simulated earthquakes.

8. Study plate tectonics with Wild Earth Lab

Take your learning to the next level with my complete Plate Tectonics Unit – it has everything you need to teach the Theory of Plate Tectonics in your classroom. It includes worksheets, posters, activities, handouts, and flashcards – all featuring my watercolor science diagrams!