How Tectonic Plates Move

ScienceVolcanoes & EarthquakesAges 11–12

Understand that convection currents in the molten mantle drive the movement of rigid tectonic plates; distinguish between convergent (collision/subduction), divergent (spreading ridges), and transform (sliding) plate boundaries; explain why volcanoes, earthquakes, and mountain chains cluster at boundaries; introduce the Wilson cycle of supercontinent assembly and breakup

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“If your child looks at a world map showing where volcanoes and earthquakes happen, can they explain why these events follow specific ring-shaped patterns rather than occurring randomly around the globe?”

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Activity. Understand that convection currents in the molten mantle drive the movement of rigid tectonic plates; distinguish between convergent (collision/subduction), divergent (spreading ridges), and transform (sliding) plate boundaries; explain why volcanoes, earthquakes, and mountain chains cluster at boundaries; introduce the Wilson cycle of supercontinent assembly and breakup

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If your child looks at a world map showing where volcanoes and earthquakes happen, can they explain why these events follow specific ring-shaped patterns rather than occurring randomly around the globe?

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