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Summary of Article
This article delves into the inner workings of our planet.
It takes the theory of plate tectonics and breaks it down into
easy-to-understand concepts. It describes areas, known as faults,
where plates
collide, break, and slide against each other. The article briefly
relates how volcanoes may be formed and earthquakes may occur.
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Suggested
Age/Grade Levels
Age Level: 11 - 14
Grade Level: 6th grade - 9th grade
Related Topics
Earth Science
Learn about the Earth's geology and how the continents
formed.
Paleontology
Investigate how scientists used the fossil record to help put
together the theory of plate tectonics.
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Objectives
After studying the article, students should be able to:
- Identify three types of faults.
- Understand the difference between C-C, O-C, and O-O fault boundaries.
- Describe plate conditions that are favorable for an earthquake.
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Classroom Activities
Paper Plate Tectonic Plates
Materials Needed
Print out the picture provided and make copies for each student or group.
Have each group or student cut along the outlines of the continents on
the paper. Glue each continent to a paper plate. Allow some time
for drying.
Have the students cut out the continent shapes from the paper plates.
The continents should be fairly durable at this point.
Ask the students to align the continents as they are
currently positioned on a world map. Next ask students
to try to fit the continents together as best as they can.
The students will find that the pieces don't fit together
perfectly. The pieces do fit together pretty well, though.
This match is what led scientists to the development of
the plate tectonics theory.
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Questions for Discussion
Q: What is a tectonic plate?
A: A tectonic plate is a massive section of the Earth's
crust (lithosphere)
that "floats" upon the asthenosphere,
a hot, flowing layer of the planet. These plates move independently,
sometimes colliding, sometimes sliding against each other.
Q: What is a divergent fault?
A: A divergent fault is a boundary between two plates where the plates
are moving away from each other. Magma from deep within the Earth
pushes its way up, forcing the plates apart. As the magma cools, it
forms new crust, which becomes a part of the plate.
Q: What is a convergent fault?
A: A boundary where two plates collide is known as a convergent fault.
There are three types of convergent faults: Oceanic crust colliding
with oceanic crust (O-O), oceanic crust colliding with continental
crust (O-C), and continental crust colliding with continental crust
(C-C).
Q: What is a transform fault?
A: A transform fault occurs where two plates are sliding against each
other. These boundaries are often hazardous areas to live in, since
they are prone to earthquakes. Earthquakes can happen at these faults
when the plates "stick" together, causing a buildup of pressure. When
the pressure becomes too much, the plates can slip, releasing a lot
of energy. This energy can cause an earthquake.
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Quiz
Click here for
a Plate Tectonics quiz.
*Please use your browser's back button to return to the
Plate Tectonics teacher's guide.
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Just the Facts
Tectonic plates are made up of a part of the Earth called the lithosphere.
Tectonic plate movement is powered by the asthenosphere, a hot,
flowing layer of the Earth.
A fault is an area marked by fractures that serves
as a boundary between two plates.
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Links
to Relevant Web Sites and Additional Resources
http://observe.ivv.nasa.gov/nasa/earth/tectonics/Tectonics_cool.html
*Page will open in a new window.
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Vocabulary
Pangaea: supercontinent that scientists believe may have
existed 225 million years ago.
subduction: process where one tectonic plate slides
under another.
asthenosphere: solid, outer layer of the Earth that flows.
lithosphere: the outermost layer of the Earth, consisting of
the crust and the uppermost layer of mantle.
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For Fun
Just for fun, play our
Plate Tectonics Wordsearch game.
*Please use your browser's back button to return to the
Plate Tectonics teacher's guide.
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