Mapping Plate Tectonic Boundaries
University of Denver
This activity has benefited from input from faculty educators beyond the author through a review and suggestion process.
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This page first made public: Dec 6, 2011
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This activity asks students to explore a National Geographic map showing Earth's plate tectonic boundaries. The exercise lets the students examine relationships between plate tectonic boundaries and geologic features, and asks them to identify geologic hazards associated with different plate tectonic settings. It is a useful introduction to the theory of plate tectonics and allows the students to explore both well known plate boundaries and those that may be more obscure.
This exercise is designed for an introductory physical geology course for non-majors. With some additional information and activities, it could also be used in an introductory physical geology course for majors.
Skills and concepts that students must have mastered
The student must have an understanding of the three different plate tectonic boundaries: 1. divergent margins, 2. convergent margins, and 3. transform boundaries. The student must also possess an understanding of the relationship between plate tectonics and geologic hazards.
How the activity is situated in the course
I use this activity during the first lab session of my Introduction to Physical Geology class.
Content/concepts goals for this activity
- Identify three different plate boundaries on a map.
Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity
- Recognize the plate tectonic history associated with certain features on the Earth (i.e. islands, oceanic trenches, etc.).
Other skills goals for this activity
- Discover how a region's proximity to plate tectonic boundaries contributes to the natural geologic hazards in that region.
Description of the activity/assignment
To prepare for this activity, students do background reading on Plate Tectonics from the course textbook. Students also participate in a lecture on the discovery and formulation of the unifying theory of plate tectonics, and the relationship between plate boundaries and geologic features such as volcanoes. Lastly, in lecture, students are introduced to a series of geologic hazards caused by certain plate tectonic interactions. The activity gives students practices at identifying plate boundaries and allows them to explore lesser known tectonically active regions.
Determining whether students have met the goals
I work with the student individually during the activity and then grade their answers for accuracy.
More information about assessment tools and techniques.
Download teaching materials and tips
This activity requires the following map, published by National Geographic Magazine:
The Earths Fractured Surface Map (National Geographic, 1995). ISBN 1-57262-187-7