Plate Tectonics WebQuest
Introduction
Imagine this: A group of kids are interested in the learning more about the Earth's continental
framework, so they go to the library to learn more. With a little help from the librarian, they find a
book titled 'Plate Tectonics.' The kids excitedly open the book only to find a series of empty pages?
Where was all the information? How are they supposed to learn about plate tectonics if the book is
empty?
You are presented with the task of designing the textbook, correctly explaining the history of plate
tectonics and defining the actions involved in plate tectonics. But instead of looking to an
encyclopedia or your own textbook, the publisher has asked you to use the latest information found
on the Internet.
In the following WebQuest, you will use the abundant resources on the Internet to learn all about
Plate Tectonics. You with then use your creativity to create, illustrate, and 'publish' a textbook on
Plate Tectonics.
The Quest
You are responsible for creating a textbook on Plate Tectonics! All of the questions in the
grey boxes must be answered.
The Process and Resources
In this WebQuest you will be creating a textbook on Plate Tectonics. You are responsible for
answering all the questions for each topic, but you are also are encouraged to exceed the
recommended criteria. Diagrams are a necessary part of your textbook; you may use print outs
found during your WebQuest or you may draw them yourself. Creativity is a necessity - be colorful
and have fun. Remember, you are designing this textbook for readers who have no prior
knowledge of plate tectonics, so be sure your product is legible, easy to follow and informative.
Phase 1 - Background: Something for Everyone
Use the Internet information linked below to explore the basic ideas involved in plate tectonics.
Feel free to play around with the 'Mountain Maker, Earth Shaker' link to gain a better understanding
of the various types of plate boundaries and their effects. Also, test your knowledge of the
continents in Pangean form (just don't waste time playing with the NASA start up screen that you
win upon successful completion of Pangaea...Click 'Go Away' instead).
Below are some helpful links to get you started in your discovery of Plate Tectonics:
Keep in mind that the links provided for this assignment are to guide you in the right direction, but
you are also expected to explore the links within the given websites as well. Be creative in
exploring the information so that you answer these questions as fully and insightfully as you can.
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

All about Plate Tectonics
Mountain Maker Earth Shaker
Pangaea puzzle (This is a fun game!)
Phase 2 - Looking Deeper from Different Perspectives
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. It will be necessary to research each link given for the particular topic you are studying on plate
tectonics.
Chapter 1: History of Pangaea
Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to History
of Pangaea:


History of Plate Tectonics
On the Move…
1. Who originated the theory of Pangaea?
2. Was the theory of a 'super continent' originally accepted by scientists?
3. What does Pangaea mean? In what Earth period did Pangaea occur?
4. What theory of continental placement was being discussed during the time
Wegener introduced his Pangaea theory?
5. Alfred Wegener was a German geologist, but he was also accomplished in
what other science? How do you think this relates to his discoveries?
6. Whose ideas later assisted in the recognition of Wegener's theory? How did
these people's ideas relate to Wegener's original findings?
7. Describe how the Earth has changed over the last 250 million years.
Chapter 2: What is the Driving Force of the Plates?
Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to the
Interior of the Earth:
The Interior of the Earth
1. In your own words, describe the four layers of the Earth.
2. How does convection work?
3. Why do Earthquakes happen?
4. How can volcanoes form?
Chapter 3: Convergent Boundaries
Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to
Convergent Boundaries:

Plates and Boundaries
1. In your own words, thoroughly define a Convergent Boundary.
2. Which of these hazards are characteristic of a Convergent Boundary:
Earthquakes? Volcanoes? Mountains? Trenches? Mud/Landslides? Other?
3. List an example of a Convergent Boundary and the continental plates involved
in that boundary.
Chapter 4: Divergent Boundaries
Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to
Divergent Boundaries:

Divergent Boundary
1. In your own words, thoroughly define a Divergent Boundary.
2. Which of these hazards are characteristic of a Divergent Boundary:
Earthquakes? Volcanoes? Mountains? Trenches? Mud/Landslides? Other?
3. List an example of a Divergent Boundary and the continental plates involved in
that boundary.
Chapter 5: Transform Boundaries
Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically related to
Transform Boundaries:

Transform Boundary
2. In your own words, thoroughly define a Transform Boundary.
2. Which of these hazards are characteristic of a Convergent Boundary:
Earthquakes? Volcanoes? Mountains? Trenches? Mud/Landslides? Other?
3. List an example of a Transform Boundary and the continental plates involved
in that boundary.
Phase 3 – Putting It All Together
You have learned about a different part of Plate Tectonics. Use information, pictures, facts, and
activities you discovered in the Webquest to construct a new textbook on Plate Tectonics. You may
create this by hand, Word, PowerPoint, or Prezi to make your textbook - neat and professional
work is expected.
Be sure to check your information for content and grammatical errors, as well as its readability.
Design something you are proud of. Be creative and have fun!
Phase 4 - Real World Feedback
You have learned a lot by creating a textbook for others to use. Now it's time to show what you
have learned and consider how we are affected by plate tectonics. Answer the following questions
in complete sentences (not question and answer) form. You may use the Internet links above to
assist you with these questions.
Part One:
1. What plate do we live in?
2. What plates border or contain the United States?
3. Are we in any serious danger of hazards related to plate tectonics? Is any part of the
United States? Be sure to explain your answer thoroughly.
4. Based on what you have learned, what potential problems do you anticipate for the
United States due to plate tectonics in the VERY distant future?
Part Two:
1. What have you learned from this Webquest?
2. What are your likes and dislikes using this type of assignment for research?
Plate Tectonics WebQuest Grading Rubric:
36 points total
Exceptional!
6-5 points
Above
Average
3 points
Average
2 points
Text book info is
accurate
Text book info
includes details
and defines terms
for people who are
unfamiliar
Textbook is
creative with
visuals included.
Grammar/sentence
structure
Real World
feedback questions
are answered
completely
Overall
presentation of
project
An Internet WebQuest on Plate Tectonics
Created by Dana Dean
NCSU
Needs
Work
1 points
Not Evident
0 points