Activity Overview
The relative movement of adjacent tectonic plates can be categorized as either a divergent, convergent or transform boundary. In this activity, students will create a storyboard to illustrate the different types of interactions between tectonic plates. Students should be encouraged to provide examples of each type of interaction.
At a divergent boundary, the plates move apart from each other. This is also know as a constructive boundary because new lithosphere is made. At a convergent boundary, the plates move closer together. When the boundary is between a continental plate and oceanic plate or between two oceanic plates, the denser oceanic plate will travel underneath the less dense plate. This is called subduction. At a transform plate boundary, the plates don’t move closer together or further away, but move past each other.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows the different types of interactions that can occur when two tectonic plates meet.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In each cell, use shapes to describe the three types of interactions that can occur at a boundary between two tectonic plates.
- Add a title to identify each of the interactions.
- Describe the interaction underneath each cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of the Tectonic Plate Interactions | Convergent, Divergent, and Transform have all been correctly identified. | Two of Convergent, Divergent and Transform have been correctly identified. | One of Convergent, Divergent and Transform has been correctly identified. |
| Visualization | The visualization is clear and accurate for every different boundary type. | The visualization for every different boundary type can be understood, but is confusing. | The visualization for every different boundary type can't be understood. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
The relative movement of adjacent tectonic plates can be categorized as either a divergent, convergent or transform boundary. In this activity, students will create a storyboard to illustrate the different types of interactions between tectonic plates. Students should be encouraged to provide examples of each type of interaction.
At a divergent boundary, the plates move apart from each other. This is also know as a constructive boundary because new lithosphere is made. At a convergent boundary, the plates move closer together. When the boundary is between a continental plate and oceanic plate or between two oceanic plates, the denser oceanic plate will travel underneath the less dense plate. This is called subduction. At a transform plate boundary, the plates don’t move closer together or further away, but move past each other.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows the different types of interactions that can occur when two tectonic plates meet.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In each cell, use shapes to describe the three types of interactions that can occur at a boundary between two tectonic plates.
- Add a title to identify each of the interactions.
- Describe the interaction underneath each cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of the Tectonic Plate Interactions | Convergent, Divergent, and Transform have all been correctly identified. | Two of Convergent, Divergent and Transform have been correctly identified. | One of Convergent, Divergent and Transform has been correctly identified. |
| Visualization | The visualization is clear and accurate for every different boundary type. | The visualization for every different boundary type can be understood, but is confusing. | The visualization for every different boundary type can't be understood. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Interaction Between Tectonic Plates
Organize a Hands-On Model Demonstration of Plate Boundaries
Gather simple materials like clay, cardboard, or sponges to let students physically model divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries. Hands-on learning helps students visualize and remember how tectonic plates interact.
Assign Students to Work in Small Groups
Divide your class into groups of 3–5 students to foster collaboration and encourage peer discussion. Group work boosts engagement and helps students learn from each other.
Guide Students to Build Each Plate Boundary
Instruct each group to use their materials to create models of divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries. Label each type and have students demonstrate the direction and result of movement.
Facilitate Group Presentations
Invite each group to present their models and explain the type of plate interaction they built. Encouraging students to teach others helps reinforce their own understanding.
Lead a Class Reflection and Connect to Real-World Examples
Discuss as a class where these plate boundaries occur in the world (e.g., Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Himalayas, San Andreas Fault). Making real-world connections deepens student understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about Interaction Between Tectonic Plates
What are the three main types of tectonic plate boundaries?
The three main types of tectonic plate boundaries are divergent (plates move apart), convergent (plates move together), and transform (plates slide past each other). Each type leads to different geological features and events.
How can students illustrate interactions between tectonic plates in a storyboard?
Students can create a storyboard by drawing three panels: one for divergent boundaries (plates moving apart), one for convergent boundaries (plates moving together or subducting), and one for transform boundaries (plates sliding past each other). Each panel should include labels and a brief description.
What is a real-world example of a divergent plate boundary?
A well-known example of a divergent plate boundary is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American plates are moving apart, forming new oceanic crust.
What happens at a convergent boundary between an oceanic and a continental plate?
At a convergent boundary between an oceanic and a continental plate, the denser oceanic plate is forced beneath the continental plate in a process called subduction, often creating volcanic activity and deep ocean trenches.
How do transform boundaries differ from divergent and convergent boundaries?
Transform boundaries differ because plates slide past each other horizontally rather than moving apart or together. This movement can cause earthquakes, but does not typically create or destroy crust.
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