Free Plates Tectonic Lesson Plan for 8th Grade Students

Topic: plates tectonic

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will understand the definition and types of plates tectonic.

Materials

• Map of the world
• Pieces of cardboard or small blocks to represent the plates tectonic
• Markers or pencils to draw the plates tectonic on the map

Warm-up

• Ask students if they have ever heard of the term "plates tectonic".
• Ask them to explain what they think it is.
• Write the word "plates tectonic" on the board and ask students to brainstorm and write down any words or terms they associate with it.

Direct Instruction

• Begin by explaining that the term "plates tectonic" refers to the large plates that make up the surface of the Earth.
• Discuss the fact that there are seven major plates (including the Pacific Plate, the North American Plate, and the African Plate) and several smaller ones.
• Explain that the movement of these plates causes earthquakes and volcanoes, and is also responsible for the formation of continents and oceanic ridges.
• Provide handouts with definitions and diagrams of the different types of plate boundaries (e.g. convergent, divergent, transform).

Guided Practice

• Divide the class into small groups and give each group a set of maps of different plate boundaries.
• Have the groups use the maps to label the different plate boundaries and their associated types (e.g. convergent, divergent, transform).
• Bring the class back together and have each group present their findings to the class.

Independent Practice

• Have students choose one plate boundary to research in more detail.
• Have students create a presentation (e.g. PowerPoint, poster, etc.) to share their findings with the class.

Closure

• Review the main ideas of plate tectonics and the different types of plate boundary.
• Ask students to share one thing they learned about plate tectonics during the lesson.

Assessment:

• Observe students during the group activity and independent practice to assess their understanding of the material.
• Collect and grade the 3D models created during the independent practice.
• Administer a quiz to assess students' understanding of the material covered in the lesson.