| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Geography |
| Lesson Topic: Plate tectonics: types of plates, movement, evidence, plate boundaries |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the three main types of lithospheric plates (oceanic, continental, mixed) and their physical characteristics.
- Explain the three primary forces that drive plate motion: ridge push, slab pull, and basal drag.
- Identify at least four lines of evidence that support the theory of plate tectonics.
- Distinguish divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries and list their typical geological features.
- Apply the concept of Euler poles to interpret the direction and speed of plate movement.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector and screen
- World map/plate‑tectonics diagram (digital or printed)
- Student worksheets with boundary‑matching and evidence‑analysis tasks
- GPS data handout (plate velocity examples)
- Interactive online plate‑movement simulation (e.g., EarthViewer)
- Markers and chart paper for group posters
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Introduction:
Begin with a short video clip of a recent earthquake to capture interest. Ask students what they already know about why earthquakes happen and how the Earth's surface is organized. Explain that today they will uncover the forces and evidence that explain these movements, and they will be able to identify the type of plate boundary responsible for any given geological feature.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5') – Quick quiz on rock types and basic Earth layers.
- Mini‑lecture with slides (10') – Overview of plate types and the three driving forces.
- Interactive simulation (15') – Students use an online tool to model ridge push, slab pull, and basal drag, recording observations.
- Evidence gallery walk (10') – Small groups examine fossil, magnetic striping, and GPS data stations, then share one piece of evidence.
- Boundary classification stations (15') – Groups match real‑world examples (e.g., Andes, San Andreas) to divergent, convergent, or transform boundaries and create a quick poster.
- Exit ticket (5') – Write the name of one force and one boundary type that explains today’s earthquake video.
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Conclusion:
Summarise how plate types, forces, and boundaries interrelate to shape Earth’s surface and generate hazards. Collect exit tickets as a retrieval check. For homework, assign students to research a recent earthquake, identify its plate boundary, and write a brief paragraph linking the event to the forces discussed.
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