A Plate Tectonics Puzzle
In this lesson, students use reasoning and cut-out landmasses to reassemble the continents as they appeared in the distant past. Includes teacher plan and student handout. Continental Drift Map Activity
A Model of Seafloor Spreading
In this activity, students use paper models to understand how seafloor spreading and alternating magnetic poles record evidence of plate tectonics. Clicking the link downloads a Word (.DOC) file. A Model of Seafloor Spreading
Serpentine: California State Rock
This California Geological Survey bulletin describes the state rock, serpentine. Clicking the link below will download a .PDF. Serpentine
Plot Current Earthquake Data
Teach students about plate tectonics, earthquakes, and maps by doing a two-week plotting lesson. Advanced students can differentiate between deep and shallow earthquakes to enhance the impression of three-dimensional Earth systems. Plot Current Earthquake Data
Recent Earthquakes: Teachable Moments
IRIS (Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology) offers this wonderful resource on earthquake education. When a major earthquake occurs, IRIS uploads a PowerPoint and a PDF with photos, maps, and explanations about the tectonic setting and the earthquake...
Simulate a subduction zone using cream-filled cookies! Learn about rock formation in a subduction zone! Cookie Subduction Cookie Tectonics (Clicking this link will download a .PDF.)
Exploring Earth: An Interactive High School Textbook
Learn about the many Earth systems in this interactive, web-based textbook. Chapters include matter, dynamic systems like volcanoes and plate tectonics, hydrosphere, atmosphere, the local space system, and Earth history. Exploring Earth
The Structure of the Earth
View a description and cutaway diagram of the layers of the Earth on this USGS page. Inside the Earth
This Dynamic Earth: The Story of Plate Tectonics
This eBook by the USGS explains the evidence for and functions of plate tectonics. This Dynamic Earth This image from “This Dynamic Earth” shows all the Earth’s tectonic plates in an easy-to-read, colored diagram.
Plate Tectonics: The Changing Shape of the Earth
Explore plate tectonics in-depth in this National Geographic video. The page also features discussion questions. Plate Tectonics: The Changing Shape of the Earth
Building Scientific Knowledge: The Story of Plate Tectonics
This hour-long video covers the history of theories which attempted to explain the topography of our planet, including plate tectonics and the evidence supporting it. Building Scientific Knowledge: The Story of Plate Tectonics
Earth Revealed Video Series
Scroll down to the individual programs to view for free on demand! #3 “Earth’s Interior” explains how we know what the interior of Earth is like. #5 “The Birth of a Theory” recounts how the Plate Tectonics Theory was formed. #6 “Plate Dynamics” explains the...
Geologic Thrusts From the Past
This one-page article describes several rock types and illustrates where they form in a subducting area. Clicking on the link downloads a Word (.DOC) file. Rocks Formed in Mesozoic Subduction Zone
Common California Rocks
Here is a short (1-page) handout about Common CA Rocks describing common rocks of California. Clicking on the link downloads a Word (.DOC) file. Explore common rocks of the California Coast ranges on the Geology Cafe website.
Effects of Earthquakes on Buildings
This activity demonstrates the effects of seismic frequency on building height. Clicking on the link below will download a Word (.doc) file. Effects of Earthquakes on Buildings
Understanding Soil
In this activity, students describe and interact with soil to identify its properties and components. Clicking the link will download a Word (.DOC) file. Soil Activity
Minerals in Everyday Life
This activity familiarizes students with minerals they interact with in everyday life. Includes teacher's guide and a worksheet. Clicking the link below will download a Word (.doc) file. Minerals in Everyday Life
Angle of Repose
This in-class activity teaches about the factors controlling slope failure. Includes a teacher's guide and group activity. Clicking the link will download a Word (.DOC) file. Angle of Repose
Exploring Rocks
Using a rock kit, students explore the diagnostic properties used to identify rocks, and how the rock cycle is illustrated by rock features. Clicking a link will download a Word (.DOC) file. Exploring Rocks Rock ID Flowcharts
Cookie Mining Activity
In this activity, the costs and effort of mining are simulated using cookies and small kitchen items. Students can learn how mining is economical (or not). Includes a handout and worksheet. Clicking the link below will download a Word (.doc) file. Cookie Mining
Exploring Minerals
Using a mineral kit, students explore the diagnostic properties used to identify minerals. Clicking a link will download a Word (.DOC) file. Exploring Minerals Mineral ID Flowchart