New
New
Year 8

Tectonic plates

I can describe evidence of how we know tectonic plates move across the surface of Earth.

New
New
Year 8

Tectonic plates

I can describe evidence of how we know tectonic plates move across the surface of Earth.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Occurrences of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions suggest Earth’s layers are not static but interact with each other.
  2. Evidence, such as rock formations and fossils, supports the idea that the continents were once all joined up.
  3. Earth’s crust is broken into pieces known as tectonic plates, which move very, very slowly.
  4. Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that explains how tectonic plates move and interact with each other.
  5. Plate tectonics help scientists better understand and predict changes to Earth’s surface.

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.

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.

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.
Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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6 Questions

Q1.
Sort the following layers of Earth from the outermost to the innermost layer.
1 - crust
2 - mantle
3 - outer core
4 - inner core
Q2.
Which layer of Earth is composed mostly of iron and nickel and exists in both solid and liquid forms?
crust
mantle
Correct answer: core
lithosphere
Q3.
True or false? The mantle is the thickest layer of Earth.
Correct answer: true
false
Q4.
Which type of rock often contains fossils or shell fragments?
Correct Answer: sedimentary, sedimentary rock
Q5.
Which of the following properties help geologists determine the age and formation process of rocks?
colour
size
Correct answer: appearance of crystals
Correct answer: presence of fossils
Q6.
Which layer of Earth is primarily responsible for its magnetic field?
crust
mantle
Correct answer: core

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the following events to their characteristics:
Correct Answer:volcano,Occurs at boundaries of tectonic plates, involves eruption of magma.

Occurs at boundaries of tectonic plates, involves eruption of magma.

Correct Answer:earthquake,Sudden shaking of the ground caused by movements of tectonic plates.

Sudden shaking of the ground caused by movements of tectonic plates.

Q2.
What is a tectonic plate?
Correct answer: A large, solid piece of Earth's crust and uppermost mantle.
A large, liquid part of Earth's mantle.
A small, static piece of Earth's crust.
A thin layer of soil on Earth's surface.
Q3.
Which of the following theories or concepts explains the movement of continental landmasses?
Correct answer: continental drift
oceanic crust
mantle convection
seismic activity
Q4.
Which of the following are the primary sources of evidence supporting the theory of continental drift?
satellite images
weather patterns
Correct answer: fossils and rock formations
ocean currents
Q5.
True or false? Tectonic plates only move due to convection currents in the mantle.
true
Correct answer: false
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.
Correct Answer: slab pull