Plate Tectonics: an earth science unit

Description

Why Choose Wild Earth Lab?

Drawing on my environmental science background, I create accurate, engaging resources that make teaching easier. Original, thoughtfully designed visuals and hands-on activities help bring the real experience of being a scientist into your classroom.

Age Range

This unit is designed to be adaptable for a range of ages, with activities and materials that can be adjusted to meet different learners’ needs. It is suitable for learners from upper elementary school through high school and works well with mixed-age groups.

What’s Included?

(48-page PDF file)

• PART 1: EARTH’S LAYERS:
  • • Earth’s layers introductory reading with density activity
    • Earth’s layers diagram and unlabeled copy for practice
    • Vocab list
    • 3-part and informational cards for each layer
    • Layers of the Earth model project – directions & handouts
    • Advanced add-on: compositional vs. mechanical layers
• PART 2: TECTONIC PLATES:
  • • Introductory reading on the theory of plate tectonics
    • A map of Earth’s tectonic plates w/ boundaries labeled
    • Map interpretation activity
    • A list of additional plate tectonics activity ideas
• PART 3: BOUNDARY TYPES:
  • • Information cards for convergent, divergent, and transform boundary types
    • 3 diagrams depicting each boundary type
    • Unlabeled diagram copies for practice
    • Vocab list
• PART 4: VOLCANOES:
  • • Introductory volcano reading
    • Types of volcanoes poster (caldera, cinder cone, stratovolcano, etc…)
    • Information cards for each volcano type
    • Inside a volcano diagram and unlabeled copy for practice
    • Volcano vocabulary
    • Worksheets & directions for a volcano research project
• PART 5: EARTHQUAKES:
  • • Introductory handouts with readings and diagrams (2)
    • Earthquake vocab
    • Worksheets & directions for an earthquake research project
• Instructor materials: directions and answer key
• Access to additional online materials: background information and more ways to expand on this topic.

Good to Know

• Single-classroom use: Materials are for personal and single-classroom use only and may not be shared or distributed. Contact me about multiple licenses for schools or organizations.
• Digital product: This is an instant PDF download, designed for printing on standard 8.5 × 11-inch paper. Due to the nature of digital products, purchases are non-refundable.
• Adult supervision: Activities should be completed with appropriate adult supervision.
• Terms & Conditions: See the full terms & conditions.