Plate Tectonics: Moving Continents

What You'll Learn

Tectonic plates are huge slabs of Earth's crust that float on the mantle. Where plates meet, earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain building occur.

Key Words

mineral
igneous

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Read and learn: Tectonic plates are huge slabs of Earth's crust that float on the mantle. Where plates meet, earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain building occur.

Step 2 — Do

Follow the procedure carefully, step by step.

Step 3 — Observe

Use your senses (except taste) to describe what you notice.

Step 4 — Record

Write a summary of your findings in 3-5 sentences.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

What forms when tectonic plates collide?