Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to understand the concept of plate tectonics and its role in shaping the Earth's surface.

Materials and Prep

Materials: World map, paper, crayons or colored pencils, ruler

Prep: Review the concept of continents and oceans with the student.

Activities

1. Mapping the Continents and Oceans: Have the student use the world map to label and color the continents and oceans. Discuss how the Earth's surface is divided into land and water.

2. Plate Tectonics Model: Using paper and crayons or colored pencils, have the student draw and cut out puzzle-like pieces representing the Earth's crust. Show how these pieces fit together like a jigsaw puzzle, explaining the concept of plate tectonics.

Sixth Grade Talking Points

• Continents and Oceans: "The Earth's surface is made up of seven continents and five oceans. Can you name them all?"
• Plate Tectonics: "The Earth's outer shell is divided into large pieces called tectonic plates. These plates are constantly moving and interacting with each other."
• Mountain Formation: "When tectonic plates collide, they can create mountains. Can you think of any famous mountain ranges?"