Vision Learning
Visionlearning: Plate Tectonics: The Origin of Plate Tectonic Theory
Discover Alfred Wegner's ideas relating to continental drift and seafloor spreading which are both evidence to the concept of plate tectonics.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Continental Drift: What's the Big Idea?
Students learn how the theory that explains the position of Earth's continents was established and later modified.
Indiana University
Indiana University: Evolution of Continents and Oceans
A course lecture on how the Earth's geological features have evolved through the movements of tectonic plates. Explains the different types of plate boundaries and how they manifest in geological formations. Also describes the structure...
Famous Scientists
Famous Scientists: Alfred Wegener
Find out about the life and work of Alfred Wegener, known for his achievements in meteorology and as a pioneer of polar research, and is most remembered as the originator of the theory of continental drift.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Theory of Plate Tectonics
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] The history of plate tectonics past and future.
US Geological Survey
Usgs: Developing the Theory
This comprehensive overview of continental drift takes a historical look at the various types of evidence which led to the development of the theory.
Other
An Introduction to the Abc's of Plate Tectonics
Resource presents the basics of plate tectonics, as well as a summary of the current thinking about plate tectonics and its mechanisms.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Geo Logic: Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics
Using the skills of a paleontologist, students are asked to match up lecturers with what day and time they teach, and how many students they have based on clues given from several different perspectives. In the second part of the...
![Libre Text: Historical Perspective [Of Plate Tectonics] eBook](https://content.lessonplanet.com/knovation/original/234103-98d4b1b1275bce5d294f078f4912dc14.jpg?1661815153 "Libre Text: Historical Perspective [Of Plate Tectonics] eBook")
Libre Text
Libre Text: Historical Perspective [Of Plate Tectonics]
Read here about the historical perspective of plate tectonics.
Georgia Department of Education
Ga Virtual Learning: Plate Tectonics
In this interactive tutorial you will learn about the theory of continental drift and why it was ultimately rejected. Then learn about the theory of plate tectonics and the evidence to support it. Lastly discover the types of boundaries...
Vision Learning
Visionlearning: Earth Science: Plate Tectonics I: Geologic Revolution
Instructional module focusing on the development of plate tectonic theory. Discussion includes the evidence of Pangaea, and the processes of seafloor topography and seafloor spreading. Site also includes an interactive practice quiz and...
Other
Paleomap Project: Earth History
The PALEOMAP Project illustrates the plate tectonic development of the ocean basins and continents, as well as the changing distribution of land and sea during the past 1100 million years. Includes virtual 3D paeloglobes.
Other
Nevada Seismological Laboratory: Plate Tectonics, the Cause of Earthquakes
This site contains an in-depth explanation of the causes of earthquakes as they relate to plate tectonics, and also has many nice and easy to read pictures, maps, and diagrams of plate tectonics and earthquakes.
Other
Plate Tectonic Theory [Pdf]
Check out this slideshow on Plate Tectonics-The unifying theory for all other theories in the Earth sciences-Has resulted in a more detailed understanding of Earth history-Has enabled geologists to more precisely(and cheaply) discover...
Other
San Andreas fault.org: Tectonics
Provides a good overview of plate tectonics with embedded links to related information.
University of California
Ucmp: Wegener (1880 1930)
Complete biographical information with links to his theories. Contains links to interactives on plate tectonics.
PBS
A Science Odyssey: You Try It: Plate Tectonics
Using your computer mouse you can simulate transforming, collisional, divergent and convergent plate boundaries. Descriptions of each plate boundary are also available.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Evolution, Plate Tectonics, and Climate Change
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Looks at the theories of evolution, plate tectonics, and global warming.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Evolution, Plate Tectonics, and Climate Change
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Looks at the theories of evolution, plate tectonics, and global warming.
PBS
Mountain Maker Earth Shaker
This resource gives an introduction to the theory of plate tectonics. It also has animations of four types of plate boundary interactions (convergent, divergent, transforming, collisional).
Other
Pangea: Alfred L. Wegener Biography
Two biographies of Wegener and his work including his theory on how raindrops form.
PBS
Pbs: Mountain Maker, Earth Shaker: You Try It
What can a hard-boiled egg tell you about the Earth? Check this site out to learn. Be sure to click on "Plate Tectonics activity" for a graphic representation.
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: Plate Tectonics (Intermediate)
Many activities in this lesson plan to help students understand the Theory of Plate Tectonics. Plans can be used in intermediate or middle school levels.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: The Earth's Plates
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart introduces students to the theory of plate tectonics. Continental drift theory and Pangaea are also discussed.