Lesson Title/Topic: Plate Tectonics (6th Grade Science)
Target Concept: Exploration of tectonic plates and their roles in geological events.
Standard/Rationale: TEKS 112.18.b.10D- describe how plate tectonics causes major
geological events such as ocean basins, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain
building.
Lesson Objectives: Given 8 images, the student will
differentiate then arrange a puzzle according to plate
movement and the four major geological events that occur
along plate boundaries with 80% accuracy.
Assessment: Completed puzzle
Materials:
 Timer
 Paper
 Puzzle pieces
 Glue sticks
 Overhead projector
 Powerpoint presentation
 ClassDojo (online application)
 Internet use
Lesson Cycle: (Direct Instruction)
The teacher will:
The students will:
Focus/Mental Set:
 Ask students to close their eyes for 5 seconds and
think about planet Earth. Silently count to 5 then
instruct students to open their eyes.
 Monitor the room, then randomly call on 3 students
to provide an explanation of the image(s) that came
to mind. (Allow each student 10-15 seconds to
respond)
o Desired answers: Sphere shaped,
constantly spinning, covered by land and
water, etc… (answers may vary)
 After the final student has answered, ask students
if they knew that Earth’s crust is actually broken
into many pieces like a jigsaw puzzle. Inform
students that these parts are called tectonic plates.
 “We will now watch a short video on the evolution
of plate tectonics.” (2:31)
https://.be/OinfMLdornyoutuU?t=5s
Close eyes and reopen once
instructed. If called upon by the
teacher, the student will provide
their response to the class. Once
complete, the students will direct
their attention to the board to
watch a short video on plate
tectonics.
Teacher Input:
 “Now that you have a general understanding of
plate tectonics, let’s explore how the movement of
these plates causes major geological events such
as ocean basins, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions,
View slideshow of plate movement
and the geological event created.
Brainstorm with the teacher about
how the geological events occur.






and mountain building.” ( Begin slideshow of the 4
major geological events. Cover 1 event at a time.
Stop to discuss and review with students before
moving to the next slide.)
“For example ocean basins can be thought of as
large bowls that contain ocean water. Found under
the sea. They can be relatively inactive areas
where deposits of sediment slowly collect or active
areas where tectonic plates meet.” Project image
and provide an example.
o Inactive- the Gulf of Mexico
o Active- Atlantic ocean, Arctic ocean
“Plates are constantly ramming each other, sliding
past each other, or pulling apart. Sometimes there
are movements within the Earth’s crust that cause
stress to build up at points of weakness, and rocks
to deform. When the stored energy is suddenly
released as an earthquake occurs.” Project image.
“Next we’ll take a look at volcanic eruptions. These
occur when molten rock, ash and steam pour
through a vent in the earth's crust. ” Project image
“Lastly we have mountain building. Mountains take
longer to form. They also form differently
depending on where they are on earth. So, think
about mountains and try to form your own opinion
on how mountains are formed.” Allow students
additional time to think. (about 10 seconds) Use
ClassDojo to randomly call on one student to
provide their answer to the class.
Explain to students that they will assemble a puzzle
of the Earth’s crust. Students will be provided a
sheet with the tectonic plates. When arranged
properly the pieces will form planet Earth and the
major tectonic plates. Students will finalize the
puzzle by labeling the 4 major geological events
that occur along the certain plate boundaries.
Show images of the plates and allow students to
determine where they fit on planet Earth. Use
ClassDojo to select random students until 50% of
the puzzle is completed. (Puzzle will be completed
in groups later on in class.)
Advise students puzzles will be collected after
classed. No grade will be given, but puzzles will be
handed back to use as study material for the
upcoming exam.
Guided Practice:
 Explain the concept of the “Showdown”. Inform
students that they will be split into 5 groups. Use
ClassDojo to randomly divide the class into 5
Listen for instruction on
completing the plate tectonics
puzzle. Student will view images
of the major tectonic plates. When
called on by the teacher the
students will identify where the
tectonic plate is located on their
planet earth puzzle. Once the
correct answer is given, each
student will glue that piece onto
their paper.
Pair off into 5 groups. Once the
teacher has read the question
each student will write down their
answer. Showdown captains will

groups. Use the application a second time to select
a Showdown Captain to represent each group. The
teacher will ask the questions aloud. Students will
be allowed time to think before writing their
answers on paper. (15-30 seconds) When the
Showdown Captain calls, “Showdown!” teammates
all display their own answers. If correct teams can
celebrate, if incorrect, tutoring will occur and then
celebrate.
The person to the left becomes the new Showdown
Captain for the next round.
call “Showdown!” Teammates
show and discuss their answers.
The Showdown Captain leads to
the checking. If correct the team
celebrates, if incorrect teammates
tutor. .
guide.
Independent Practice:
Students will work in a groups to
 Allow the students to work with their groups on their complete the puzzle.
puzzle.
 Walk around the room to observe how students are
progressing.
Closure:
 Ask students to put the finished puzzles in the
basket near the door.
 As they leave the room have them provide one
thing that they learned from class.
Students will provide an answer as
their ticket out the door.