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Plate Tectonics

Overview

According to the theory of plate tectonics, Earth's crust is composed of a number of individual plates that change shape and position over time. Geophysical evidence indicates that the face of Earth's surface has changed significantly since its initial formation and that the plates on which the continents are located are in constant motion. The movement of the plates is responsible for the formation of ocean basins, mountain ranges, islands, volcanoes, and earthquakes. Important concepts in the theory of plate tectonics include the following:

• The ocean floors are continually moving — spreading from the center, sinking at the edges, and being regenerated.
• Convection currents beneath the plates are responsible for plate movement.
• The source of energy responsible for generating the heat and convection currents that move the plates is most likely radioactivity deep in Earth's mantle.

In this lesson, students are introduced to the theory of plate tectonics and explore how the theory was developed and supported by evidence. Through class discussion, videos, and activities, students seek connections between tectonic activity and geologic features and investigate how the theory of plate tectonics evolved.

http://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/ess05.sci.ess.earthsys.lp_platetectonics/plate-tectonics/ 


http://geology.com/teacher/plate-tectonics.shtml

http://www.jclahr.com/science/earth_science/cr06/workshop/activities/snack/snack_tectonics.html   http://www.windows2universe.org/teacher_resources/teach_snacktectonics.html