NC Earth Science • Grade 9

Plate Tectonics Mission Lab

Investigate how Earth’s moving plates reshape the planet. Explore animated boundary models, inspect Earth’s layers, sort evidence, answer randomized questions, and earn your Explorer Badge.

Learning Goal: I can use models and evidence to explain how plate motion changes Earth’s surface.

Mission Dashboard

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1. Boundary Simulator

Choose a plate boundary. Watch the model, then read the evidence like a geologist.

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Field Notes

Select a boundary type to begin.

Look for clues: plate direction, landforms, earthquakes, volcanoes, trenches, and new crust.

2. Earth’s Interior Checkpoint

Click a layer to connect Earth’s interior to plate motion.

Choose a layer to reveal how it connects to plate tectonics.

3. Discovery Cards

Tap each card. Try to predict the explanation before you reveal it.

Mountain Mystery

Why can continents form huge mountain ranges when they collide?

New Crust Clue

Where does new oceanic crust come from?

Earthquake Evidence

Why are earthquakes common near transform faults?

Select a discovery card to reveal an explanation.

4. Evidence Sorting Challenge

Drag each evidence chip into the boundary type where it best fits.

Mountain Building Seafloor Spreading Sliding Plates Subduction Fault Zones Rift Valley Volcanic Arc Mid-Ocean Ridge Shallow Earthquakes

Convergent

Divergent

Transform

Place all evidence chips, then check your work.

5. Knowledge Check

Answer each question once. Questions are shuffled when the activity loads.

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6. Scientist Reflection

Answer in complete sentences. These responses stay on this page only.

Claim: What is one way plate motion changes Earth’s surface?

Evidence: What evidence from the activity supports your claim?

Question: What do you still wonder about plate tectonics?

Teacher Area

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