C-PALMS PRACTICE WORKSHEET
1.Match the image with its correct description
.
2. Which of the following helps to explain the theory of plate tectonics?
Convection currents in the magma cause movement
The earth is divided into many plates
landforms
3. What can occur at convergent plate boundaries?
Mountains
Trenches
The plates move on a molten layer of magma
The plates interact with each other and can form
Volcanoes
Higher temperatures and pressures
4. Select each item that can be associated with a transform plate boundary.
Earthquakes can occur
No new crust forms
San Andreas is famous example
Occur when two plates slide past each other
One plate is pushed under the other
Term
Theory of
Continental Drift
Theory of Plate
Tectonics
Pangaea
Sea Floor Spreading
Convergent
Divergent
Transform
Subduction
Definition
The idea that Earth’s continents were once joined together and have slowly moved to
their current positions.
The explanation that Earth's outer shell is made of large moving pieces called plates,
which cause earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain formation.
The supercontinent that existed millions of years ago, where all the continents were
joined together.
The process where new oceanic crust forms at mid-ocean ridges and slowly moves
away from the ridge.
A type of plate boundary where two plates move toward each other, often creating
mountains or subduction zones.
A type of plate boundary where two plates move apart, often forming mid-ocean
ridges or rift valleys.
A type of plate boundary where two plates slide past each other, causing
earthquakes.
When one tectonic plate moves under another into the mantle. Often forms deep ocean
trenches and volcanoes.
The large pieces of Earth’s outer layer (lithosphere) that move on the mantle.
Crustal Plates
Shaking of the ground caused by movement of tectonic plates at faults.
Earthquakes
Openings in the Earth where molten rock (magma) comes out as lava.
Volcanoes
Definition
Term
Mountains
Mid-Ocean Ridge
Large landforms that rise high above the surrounding land, usually formed by plate
collisions.
Underwater mountain ranges formed at divergent boundaries where new crust is
made.
Large low areas of the Earth covered by oceans.
Ocean Basins
Very deep, narrow valleys in the ocean floor, usually at subduction zones.
Ocean Trench
Rift Valley
A low area between highlands formed when plates move apart (divergent boundary).
Plate Tectonics Vocabulary Worksheet
1: Match the Terms Draw a line to match each vocabulary term to the correct definition.
1. Theory of Continental Drift
a. Earth’s outer shell is made of large moving pieces called plates.
2. Theory of Plate Tectonics
b. A supercontinent where all continents were once joined.
3. Pangaea
c. Shaking of the ground caused by movement of tectonic plates.
4. Sea Floor Spreading
d. When one plate moves under another into the mantle
5. Convergent
e. Type of boundary where plates move toward each other.
6. Divergent
f. Process where new ocean crust forms at mid-ocean ridges
7. Transform
g. Type of boundary where plates move apart
8. Subduction
h. Openings in Earth where magma comes out as lava
9. Crustal Plates
i. Large landforms rising above surrounding land, often from plate collisions
10. Earthquakes
j. Narrow, deep valleys in the ocean floor formed at subduction zones
11. Volcanoes
k. Low areas covered by oceans
12. Mountains
l. A type of boundary where plates slide past each other
13. Mid-Ocean Ridge
m. A low area formed when plates move apart (divergent)
14. Ocean Basins
n. The idea that continents were once joined and slowly moved apart
15. Ocean Trench
o. Underwater mountain ranges formed at divergent boundaries
16. Rift Valley
p. Large pieces of Earth’s crust that move on the mantle
Section 2: Fill in the Blank
1. ___________________ is the process where new ocean crust forms at mid-ocean ridges.
2. Mountains often form at ______________ boundaries.
3. ______________ can cause earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
4. ________________ is the supercontinent that existed millions of years ago.
5. Plates slide past each other at a _________________ boundary.
Section 3: Draw It! Choose three of the following terms and draw a simple diagram for
each:
Convergent, Divergent, Transform, Subduction, Mid-Ocean Ridge, Rift Valley Section
4: True or False + Explain
1. Pangaea is the name of a current continent. ____
2. Subduction can create ocean trenches. ____
3. Divergent boundaries can form mid-ocean ridges. ____
4. Transform boundaries create mountains. ____
5. Crustal plates move because of mantle convection. ____
Reflection Question:
In 2-3 sentences, explain how plate tectonics helps us understand the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and
volcanoes.
📝 Worksheet Idea – “Plate Tectonics Vocabulary
Adventure”
Worksheet Sections for Engagement:
1. Match It!



Column A: Vocabulary terms
Column B: Definitions (scrambled)
Students draw lines to match term → definition.
2. Fill in the Blank


“_____ is the process where new ocean crust forms at mid-ocean ridges.” → Sea Floor Spreading
“Mountains often form at _____ boundaries.” → Convergent
3. Draw It!

Students pick 3 terms (e.g., divergent, convergent, transform) and draw a simple diagram for each.