What Are Plates?

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

The earth’s surface is composed of many pieces, similar to a puzzle.

The lithosphere, or the top layer of the earth, is broken into several large, continent-sized blocks. These blocks are called tectonic plates.

Energy from within the earth causes these plates to move constantly. You cannot feel the surface of the earth moving because it is moving very slowly. The plates move so slowly that most only travel a few centimeters yearly.

As the plates move, they cause changes in the earth’s geography.

Look at the map pictured below, illustrating the major and minor plates that make up the earth's surface. There are seven major or large plates and several minor or small plates. The lines that run between the plates are called faults or boundaries.

Find where you live on the map.

• What plate is your home located on?
• Is your home near a fault?

Watch the video below to learn more about the earth’s plates and how they move.

Explain in your own words what causes the earth’s plates to move.

• Does it surprise you to find out that the earth’s surface is comprised of many moving pieces?2
• Did you realize the earth is moving beneath your feet?

Now that you have a thorough understanding of what tectonic plates are and why they move, move on to the Got It? section.