Tectonics & Geological Events Activities for Middle School Science
Explore how plate tectonics shape Earth’s surface in this engaging 5E lesson aligned with TEKS 7.10B. Students will investigate how tectonic movement forms ocean basins, triggers earthquakes, builds mountains, and fuels volcanic eruptions, including super volcanoes and hot spots. Using a hands-on, student-led approach, the lesson features interactive station labs, experiments, research tasks, videos, and bilingual reading passages. Editable presentations, interactive notebooks, and note-taking templates support concept development, while student-choice projects and STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments reinforce learning. Designed for both in-class and virtual settings, this adaptable resource includes printable and digital options, with Spanish translations for accessibility. The resources below will give students a comprehensive understanding of tectonics and geological events. All of the following materials are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
The Kesler Science Tectonics & Geological Events 5E Lesson is a comprehensive Earth science unit covering how plate tectonics shape ocean basins, cause earthquakes, build mountains, and trigger volcanic eruptions, including super volcanoes and hot spots. This fully editable, low-prep lesson includes presentations, worksheets, choice projects, and assessments, designed for differentiated, student-led learning.
Aligned with TEKS 7.10B, the lesson follows the 5E Model. Students engage with vocabulary and class discussions, then explore concepts through a differentiated station lab with multimodal activities, such as hands-on experiments, reading passages in English and Spanish, research tasks, videos, and interactive exercises. Explanation materials include editable PowerPoints, interactive notebooks, and note-taking templates. Elaboration extends learning through student-choice projects, while evaluation features STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments and review materials.
This lesson is adaptable for both in-class and virtual learning, with printable and digital options available. Spanish translations of key materials ensure accessibility, and the flexible design allows teachers to customize resources to meet their students’ needs.
The Kesler Science Tectonics & Geological Events 5E Lesson is a comprehensive Earth science unit covering how plate tectonics shape ocean basins, cause earthquakes, build mountains, and trigger volcanic eruptions, including super volcanoes and hot spots. This fully editable, low-prep lesson includes presentations, worksheets, choice projects, and assessments, designed for differentiated, student-led learning.
Aligned with TEKS 7.10B, the lesson follows the 5E Model. Students engage with vocabulary and class discussions, then explore concepts through a differentiated station lab with multimodal activities, such as hands-on experiments, reading passages in English and Spanish, research tasks, videos, and interactive exercises. Explanation materials include editable PowerPoints, interactive notebooks, and note-taking templates. Elaboration extends learning through student-choice projects, while evaluation features STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments and review materials.
This lesson is adaptable for both in-class and virtual learning, with printable and digital options available. Spanish translations of key materials ensure accessibility, and the flexible design allows teachers to customize resources to meet their students’ needs.
Engage your students with this student-led station lab aligned with the 2021 TEKS 7.10B standard. Designed for in-class or virtual learning, this Earth science lesson guides students in exploring how plate tectonics causes ocean basin formation, earthquakes, mountain building, and volcanic eruptions, including super volcanoes and hot spots.
Students take an active role in their learning through nine differentiated stations featuring videos, readings, research, and hands-on tasks. They demonstrate their understanding by organizing information, illustrating models, writing responses, and completing assessments. A bonus challenge station provides extension activities, while English and Spanish reading passages support differentiated learning.
This low-prep, high-engagement resource fosters critical thinking and scientific inquiry.
Engage your students with this student-led station lab aligned with the 2021 TEKS 7.10B standard. Designed for in-class or virtual learning, this Earth science lesson guides students in exploring how plate tectonics causes ocean basin formation, earthquakes, mountain building, and volcanic eruptions, including super volcanoes and hot spots.
Students take an active role in their learning through nine differentiated stations featuring videos, readings, research, and hands-on tasks. They demonstrate their understanding by organizing information, illustrating models, writing responses, and completing assessments. A bonus challenge station provides extension activities, while English and Spanish reading passages support differentiated learning.
This low-prep, high-engagement resource fosters critical thinking and scientific inquiry.
The Tectonics & Geological Events Student Choice Projects align with the 2021 TEKS standard 7.10B, allowing middle school students to select a project that matches their preferred output style. A project page outlines six student-led options plus a “design your own” project, all with an editable rubric for teacher, peer, or self-assessment.
These flexible, multimodal projects provide creative ways for students to demonstrate their understanding. Two versions of the project page support differentiation, with modified options for students needing remediation and challenge opportunities for advanced learners. Teachers can adjust the rubric to fit grading needs.
The projects require standard classroom supplies like paper, markers, and scissors, with many options available for digital completion.
The Tectonics & Geological Events Student Choice Projects align with the 2021 TEKS standard 7.10B, allowing middle school students to select a project that matches their preferred output style. A project page outlines six student-led options plus a “design your own” project, all with an editable rubric for teacher, peer, or self-assessment.
These flexible, multimodal projects provide creative ways for students to demonstrate their understanding. Two versions of the project page support differentiation, with modified options for students needing remediation and challenge opportunities for advanced learners. Teachers can adjust the rubric to fit grading needs.
The projects require standard classroom supplies like paper, markers, and scissors, with many options available for digital completion.
The Plate Tectonics Inquiry Lab aligned with TEKS helps students explore how plate tectonics contribute to the formation of crustal features using Google Earth. This resource includes three differentiated labs designed to support all learners.
The labs offer structured modified and independent versions to accommodate different learning needs. The dependent student lab provides a balance of procedural instructions and inquiry questions, the modified lab offers additional support with structured prompts, and the independent lab allows students to take full control of their investigation. Reflection questions guide students through claim, evidence, and reasoning statements.
Teacher resource pages include preparation guidelines, standards, objectives, materials, and instructions, along with answer keys for easy grading. The lab requires a computer or tablet with Google Earth, colored pencils, scissors, sticky tack or double-sided tape, and a 5-inch or larger diameter ball for hands-on activities.
The Plate Tectonics Inquiry Lab aligned with TEKS helps students explore how plate tectonics contribute to the formation of crustal features using Google Earth. This resource includes three differentiated labs designed to support all learners.
The labs offer structured modified and independent versions to accommodate different learning needs. The dependent student lab provides a balance of procedural instructions and inquiry questions, the modified lab offers additional support with structured prompts, and the independent lab allows students to take full control of their investigation. Reflection questions guide students through claim, evidence, and reasoning statements.
Teacher resource pages include preparation guidelines, standards, objectives, materials, and instructions, along with answer keys for easy grading. The lab requires a computer or tablet with Google Earth, colored pencils, scissors, sticky tack or double-sided tape, and a 5-inch or larger diameter ball for hands-on activities.
The Plate Tectonics Escape Room is an engaging, student-centered activity designed to reinforce concepts related to plate tectonics and Wegener's continental drift theory. Aligned with TEKS and NGSS, this interactive experience helps students explore geological events, historical evidence, and the impact of plate movements on Earth's surface.
Teachers have full control over the eight independent puzzles, allowing for customization based on time constraints. The activity can be conducted using manila envelopes and passwords or a more immersive lock-and-box setup. A digital version is available for online learning via PowerPoint or Google Slides, with a printable version for at-home use.
The resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, a digital answer sheet, editable templates, and engaging video challenges. With printable props, reward templates, and over 50 prize ideas, students will be fully immersed in this hands-on learning adventure.
The Plate Tectonics Escape Room is an engaging, student-centered activity designed to reinforce concepts related to plate tectonics and Wegener's continental drift theory. Aligned with TEKS and NGSS, this interactive experience helps students explore geological events, historical evidence, and the impact of plate movements on Earth's surface.
Teachers have full control over the eight independent puzzles, allowing for customization based on time constraints. The activity can be conducted using manila envelopes and passwords or a more immersive lock-and-box setup. A digital version is available for online learning via PowerPoint or Google Slides, with a printable version for at-home use.
The resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, a digital answer sheet, editable templates, and engaging video challenges. With printable props, reward templates, and over 50 prize ideas, students will be fully immersed in this hands-on learning adventure.
This Crustal Features Science Reading Comprehension Lesson helps students explore landforms and their formation through tectonic plate movement. Students read a nonfiction article, answer comprehension questions, and create a travel itinerary featuring crustal features.
Designed for grades 6-8, with higher-level 5th graders in mind, the resource includes two leveled passages (Lexile 1100-1300), five to seven comprehension questions, and a hands-on, interactive mini-project. A Cornell notes template is provided for additional support.
This versatile resource is suitable for whole-class instruction, sub plans, ISS, extra credit, and virtual learning through platforms like Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas. Students can complete assignments digitally using an editable PPT or Google Slides. Engaging visuals and structured activities promote science literacy, reading comprehension, and classroom discussions.
This Crustal Features Science Reading Comprehension Lesson helps students explore landforms and their formation through tectonic plate movement. Students read a nonfiction article, answer comprehension questions, and create a travel itinerary featuring crustal features.
Designed for grades 6-8, with higher-level 5th graders in mind, the resource includes two leveled passages (Lexile 1100-1300), five to seven comprehension questions, and a hands-on, interactive mini-project. A Cornell notes template is provided for additional support.
This versatile resource is suitable for whole-class instruction, sub plans, ISS, extra credit, and virtual learning through platforms like Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas. Students can complete assignments digitally using an editable PPT or Google Slides. Engaging visuals and structured activities promote science literacy, reading comprehension, and classroom discussions.
The Crustal Features Science Writing Prompt Activity engages middle school students in a creative narrative writing exercise to reinforce their understanding of plate tectonics and the formation of crustal features. Aligned with TEKS, this low-prep, student-centered activity enhances science reasoning and exploration while supporting both in-person and virtual learning.
This resource includes teacher directions with an answer guide, project ideas, and rubrics, as well as projection and print handouts in both full-sized and half-sheet formats. A digital interactive PowerPoint version, compatible with Google Slides, allows for remote and in-class assignments. The activity works well as a cross-curricular exercise, pre-test assessment, student choice project, enrichment for early finishers, extra credit, make-up work, TELPAS sample, or differentiation tool.
Ideal for engaging students in science writing, this prompt can be displayed on a bulletin board or compiled into an anthology. Designed for review, it assumes prior knowledge or access to research materials.
The Crustal Features Science Writing Prompt Activity engages middle school students in a creative narrative writing exercise to reinforce their understanding of plate tectonics and the formation of crustal features. Aligned with TEKS, this low-prep, student-centered activity enhances science reasoning and exploration while supporting both in-person and virtual learning.
This resource includes teacher directions with an answer guide, project ideas, and rubrics, as well as projection and print handouts in both full-sized and half-sheet formats. A digital interactive PowerPoint version, compatible with Google Slides, allows for remote and in-class assignments. The activity works well as a cross-curricular exercise, pre-test assessment, student choice project, enrichment for early finishers, extra credit, make-up work, TELPAS sample, or differentiation tool.
Ideal for engaging students in science writing, this prompt can be displayed on a bulletin board or compiled into an anthology. Designed for review, it assumes prior knowledge or access to research materials.
The WIKI Tickets© Earth Science formative assessments provide engaging and flexible ways to check student understanding in 6th-8th grade science. This set includes 15 topics, each with five format options: a full-screen projection version, three printable handouts, and a digital interactive version compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides.
Aligned with NGSS and TEKS standards, these assessments cover key Earth Science concepts such as ecoregions in Texas, human impact on the environment and natural resources, land and erosion features, Earth's layers, tectonic plates, minerals, the rock cycle, and watersheds. Some topics have multiple tickets, ensuring comprehensive coverage. A bonus table of contents file is included to show standard alignment.
WIKI Tickets© can be used as exit tickets, bellringers, or quick assessments in both in-person and virtual settings. Students can respond on paper, digitally, or interactively in a 1:1 or remote learning environment. These ready-to-use assessments make it easy to gauge student understanding in a fun and engaging way.
The WIKI Tickets© Earth Science formative assessments provide engaging and flexible ways to check student understanding in 6th-8th grade science. This set includes 15 topics, each with five format options: a full-screen projection version, three printable handouts, and a digital interactive version compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides.
Aligned with NGSS and TEKS standards, these assessments cover key Earth Science concepts such as ecoregions in Texas, human impact on the environment and natural resources, land and erosion features, Earth's layers, tectonic plates, minerals, the rock cycle, and watersheds. Some topics have multiple tickets, ensuring comprehensive coverage. A bonus table of contents file is included to show standard alignment.
WIKI Tickets© can be used as exit tickets, bellringers, or quick assessments in both in-person and virtual settings. Students can respond on paper, digitally, or interactively in a 1:1 or remote learning environment. These ready-to-use assessments make it easy to gauge student understanding in a fun and engaging way.
Lesson Extensions provide engaging, student-choice activities designed to challenge early finishers and deepen their understanding of earth science standards. These activities help fill downtime, reinforce critical thinking, and keep students engaged with rigorous yet enjoyable learning opportunities.
Each extension includes four interactive components: Puzzler for problem-solving, Maker Space for hands-on STEAM activities, Tech Connection for digital demonstrations, and Word Master for creative writing. With teacher directions, answer keys, and both print and projection versions, these extensions are perfect for lesson wrap-ups, enrichment, or independent challenges.
Covering topics such as plate tectonics, climate change, rock formation, and the geological time scale, these activities align with NGSS and TEKS science standards, ensuring students remain engaged while exploring key Earth Science concepts.
Lesson Extensions provide engaging, student-choice activities designed to challenge early finishers and deepen their understanding of earth science standards. These activities help fill downtime, reinforce critical thinking, and keep students engaged with rigorous yet enjoyable learning opportunities.
Each extension includes four interactive components: Puzzler for problem-solving, Maker Space for hands-on STEAM activities, Tech Connection for digital demonstrations, and Word Master for creative writing. With teacher directions, answer keys, and both print and projection versions, these extensions are perfect for lesson wrap-ups, enrichment, or independent challenges.
Covering topics such as plate tectonics, climate change, rock formation, and the geological time scale, these activities align with NGSS and TEKS science standards, ensuring students remain engaged while exploring key Earth Science concepts.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces and reinforces tectonic plates and crustal feature formations through real-world connections. It begins with an introductory reading about a hike in the Appalachian Mountains, accompanied by comprehension and extension questions to prepare students for further learning. An explanatory reading then breaks down the science behind tectonic plates and crustal formations in an accessible way, with additional questions to reinforce understanding.
Aligned with TEKS, this no-prep resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, projection slides, and both print and digital formats for Google Classroom and other LMS platforms. A differentiated version provides sentence starters for student support. Designed to bookend a lesson, these engaging readings serve as supplements to reinforce learning in any in-person or virtual classroom.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces and reinforces tectonic plates and crustal feature formations through real-world connections. It begins with an introductory reading about a hike in the Appalachian Mountains, accompanied by comprehension and extension questions to prepare students for further learning. An explanatory reading then breaks down the science behind tectonic plates and crustal formations in an accessible way, with additional questions to reinforce understanding.
Aligned with TEKS, this no-prep resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, projection slides, and both print and digital formats for Google Classroom and other LMS platforms. A differentiated version provides sentence starters for student support. Designed to bookend a lesson, these engaging readings serve as supplements to reinforce learning in any in-person or virtual classroom.
Year-Round Resources
These year-round activities will increase your students' understanding of many middle school science topics. All of these activities are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
Visual Data & Graphing
You're not alone if your students struggle with understanding graphs, charts, and tables. It's a skill that takes an enormous amount of practice. This resource will help students build a strong foundation in analyzing data and creating their own data visualizations.
Bell Ringers and Warm-Ups
These middle school science bell ringers are an excellent way to engage your students as soon as they walk into your classroom. This comprehensive FULL YEAR resource includes everything you need to start off each science class with an interesting warm-up activity.
Review Board Games
Each game board has been carefully designed to keep students engaged. There are 10 different action spaces on each board and dozens of question cards. All of the actions are related to science concepts and keep the students motivated throughout the game.
Each game is ready to play. Simply print out the board and the cards and let the students enjoy reviewing nine different units.
Essential Questions and Standards
Below are the essential questions and standards associated with the lessons and activities included in the atoms unit. This topic is only one of more than 100 middle school science topics included in the Kesler Science Membership.
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How do plate tectonics cause land formations?
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How do plate tectonics cause earthquakes and volcanic eruptions?
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TEKS Science - 7.10B Tectonics & Geological Events
Kesler Science Membership
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