Plates in Motion Worksheet

Name:

Date:

🌍 Part 1: Evidence of Plate Movement

I can explain the theory of plate tectonics using evidence from fossils, rocks, and seafloor data.

1. Look at the map showing where the fossil Mesosaurus has been found. This fossil appears in both South America and Africa. What does this evidence suggest about these continents in the past?

2. Which type of evidence supports continental drift? (Choose all that apply)

Matching fossils found on different continents

Similar rock formations across oceans

Seafloor spreading patterns

Weather patterns

3. Complete this sentence: The shapes of continents like South America and Africa fit together like puzzle pieces because ___________________.

4. Circle the best answer: Seafloor spreading occurs when:

New ocean floor is created at mid-ocean ridges

Old ocean floor disappears at trenches

Continents move away from each other

All of the above

⚡ Part 2: Plate Boundaries and Earth's Changes

I can develop a model to describe how plate movements cause earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountains.

5. Label the diagram below with the three types of plate boundaries. Use these words: divergent, convergent, transform

6. Match each plate boundary type with what happens there:

Divergent boundary

Convergent boundary

Transform boundary

Plates slide past each other

Plates move apart, new crust forms

Plates collide, mountains or volcanoes form

7. Fill in the blanks: When two continental plates collide at a __________ boundary, they push upward to form __________. An example of this is the __________ Mountains.

8. Explain in 2-3 sentences how earthquakes are caused by plate movement:

🎯 Part 3: Apply Your Knowledge

I can analyze data and observations to support explanations of Earth's changing surface.

9. The "Ring of Fire" around the Pacific Ocean has many volcanoes and earthquakes. Using your knowledge of plate tectonics, explain why this area is so active:

10. Extension Activity: Choose one famous geological feature (like Mount Everest, the San Andreas Fault, or the Mid-Atlantic Ridge). Draw a simple diagram showing the plate boundary that created it and write 2-3 sentences explaining the process: