Plate Tectonics
Vocabulary in Context
The subject of plate tectonics contains much of the information scientists use to understand how the
physical features of the earth developed over millions of years.
In order to communicate effectively with one another, it is necessary to learn how to “be impeccable in
our speech”. This means we must be able to explain ourselves in a way that communicates our understanding of a
topic.
You will be using vocabulary from our classroom discussions with provided context clues to create short
explanations of these (vocabulary) concepts in order to practice this skill.
The illustration you will create will provide an additional method to assess your understanding.
Activity
 Explain the following physical geographic formations
Converging Boundary
key words: Oceanic Plate/Oceanic Plate/Volcanic Arc/Ocean Trench/Subduction
Volcanic Mountain Range key words: Oceanic Plate/Continental Plate/Converging Boundary/Subduction
Plate Boundary
key words: Tectonic plate/location
Diverging Boundary
key words: Oceanic Plate/Oceanic Plate/Sea floor Spreading/Mid-Ocean Ridge
Rift Valley
key words: Continental Plate/Continental Plate/Converging
Convection Current
key words: Mantle, magma, tectonic plate
Tectonic Plate
key words: Oceanic/Continental/ Denser & Younger/ Thicker & older
Continental Drift
key words: Theory/Alfred Wegener/Pangea
1.
2.
 Read the provided definitions that apply to your concept
 Use the provided key words to create a short explanation of the word as it pertains to our
area of study. DO NOT RESTATE THE DEFINITION. This will be written in the text box you
create.
HINT: Create a rough draft/then edit and refine your explanation
Use a ruler to divide a piece of 12 x 18 inch paper into 6 squares that are each 6 by 6 inches.
 It is very important that you make accurate measurements. This is an assessed skill!
 Create a text box by tracing your ruler along the bottom edge of each box.
 Write you explanation in the textbox, underlining the vocabulary term.
 Create a diagram to accompany your explanation. Your diagram must be a visual
representation of your explanation.
In each box create a text box that is 1 inch from the bottom.
 Your paper should look like this when you are finished (not to scale)