Exploring Plate Boundaries 4+

Most geologic events occur at the boundaries of Earth’s plates. Earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain building are a direct result of interactions at plate boundaries.

In this app, students build on their understanding of plate tectonics by exploring the interaction of Earth's lithospheric plates at their boundaries. The three types of plate boundaries (divergent, convergent and transform) are examined in great detail. Each type is associated with specific geologic events as well as features visible on Earth’s surface.

Divergent plate boundaries generate new ocean floor or generate continental rift valleys. Convergent plate boundaries destroy lithosphere and can generate earthquakes and often produce volcanoes and/or mountain belts. Transform plate boundaries often generate earthquakes and may join convergent and divergent boundaries. Exploring why these interactions occur will help students understand the cause and location of geologic events that may directly affect their lives. Earth is a dynamic planet and plate tectonics is the driving force of these changes on Earth's surface.

Throughout the app, students are encouraged to answer essay questions that involve critical thinking skills. The student’s answers are saved (in a notebook) and these entries may be shared. Quiz questions are used to assess student understanding; quiz answers and scores may also be shared.

NGSS:
ESS2.B Plate Tectonics and Large-Scale System Interactions
ESS3.B Natural Hazards