Examining the relationship between the Earth’s interior and exterior systems is a key part of understanding how the Earth has developed over its history. In this unit, students will begin to make these connections as they gather evidence to develop a model of the Earth’s interior, its internal processes, and resulting continental plate movements. Understanding the Earth’s internal structure and processes will allow students to investigate the formation of surface features such as young mountains and volcanoes.

This unit includes a performance task, supports for constructing scientific explanations, Regents-aligned questions, and is organized into inquiry-based 5E model plans. It is part of the New Visions Earth Science Curriculum.
Scope and sequence connection: Earth Science: Geology: Plate tectonics.

Students explore the importance, characteristics and structure of earth's layers and plate tectonics with this interactive from the Annenberg Learner. This is essentially an interactive textbook for students to read; the quiz at the end can help to assess their understanding of the content. 

Scope and Sequence connection: 7:1 Geology; Earth science: Geology: Plate tectonics.

 The Discover our Earth site allows users to explore the concepts of plate tectonics in more detail. Hosted by Cornell University. 
 

Scope and sequence connection: Earth Science: Geology: Plate tectonics.
Performance standard: 2.1j, 2.1k, 2.1l, 2.1m, 2.1n, 2.1o, 2.1p.

Today, there are many active volcanoes worldwide. Is there anything we can do to predict how and when they will erupt? Students can engage in this Annenberg interactive to learn more. 

Earth Science: Geology: Plate Tectonics.

The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program (GVP) is devoted to a better understanding of Earth's active volcanoes and their eruptions during the last 10,000 years. The mission of GVP is to document, understand, and disseminate information about global volcanic activity; these videos enable students to learn about volcanos from Smithsonian geologists. 

Scope and sequence connection: Earth Science: Geology: Plate tectonics.
Performance standard: 2.1m, 2.1n.

The U.S. Geological Survey shares this information especially designed for students. Included find animations of earthquakes, FAQs, a "today in earthquake history" section, science fair projects and links to additional information. 

Scope and sequence connection: 7:1 Geology; Earth Science: Geology: Plate tectonics.
Performance standard: 2.1j.

In this activity, explore three kinds of boundaries where tectonic plates meet: divergent, where two plates spread apart; convergent, where two plate push against each other; and transform, where two plates slide past each other. Shared by PBS Learning Media.

Scope and Sequence connection: 7:1 Geology; Earth Science: Geology: Plate tectonics.
Performance standard: 2.1l.

Animations, lessons and other teaching resources on plate tectonics and boundaries. Teachers can filter by concept, resource type and level. Provided by the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology.

Scope and Sequence connection: 7:1 Geology; Earth Science: Geology: Plate tectonics.
Performance standard: 2.1j, 2.1k, 2.1l, 2.1m, 2.1n, 2.1o, 2.1p.

This case study explores the real risks of individuals living in Bangladesh.  Video clips follow scientists and the data they collect to support the claim that Bangladesh is in danger of an impending disaster.  Student readings are at 2 levels with questions to support their understanding. Shared by the American Museum of Natural History.

Scope and sequence connection: Earth Science: Geology: Plate tectonics.
Performance standard: 2.1l.