History & Geography · Grade 7 · Physical Patterns in a Changing World · Term 2

Plate Tectonics and Landforms

Explore how plate tectonics create mountains, volcanoes, and earthquakes, shaping Canada's landscape.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• ON: Physical Patterns in a Changing World - Grade 7

About This Topic

Tectonic processes are the internal forces that shape the Earth's surface, and they play a fundamental role in Canada's diverse geography. This topic explores how the movement of tectonic plates creates mountains like the Rockies, triggers earthquakes along the West Coast, and fuels volcanic activity. Students will learn about the three types of plate boundaries, divergent, convergent, and transform, and how each produces distinct landforms and geological events.

Understanding plate tectonics is essential for grasping why Canada has such varied landscapes, from the ancient, stable Canadian Shield to the young, rugged mountains of the West. The curriculum also addresses how humans adapt to living in tectonically active zones, such as through earthquake-resistant building codes. This topic is best taught through hands-on modeling of plate movements and collaborative investigations into Canadian geological 'hotspots.'

Key Questions

1. Explain how the movement of tectonic plates creates major landforms.
2. Analyze the distribution of tectonically active zones across Canada.
3. Predict the long-term geological changes resulting from ongoing plate movement.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the mechanisms of divergent, convergent, and transform plate boundaries and the resulting landforms.
• Analyze the distribution of major tectonic features, such as mountain ranges and fault lines, across Canada.
• Classify Canadian landforms based on the type of plate tectonic activity that formed them.
• Predict potential geological events, like earthquakes or volcanic activity, in specific regions of Canada based on plate boundary types.

Before You Start

Earth's Layers and Structure

Why: Students need a basic understanding of the Earth's crust and mantle to comprehend how tectonic plates are formed and move.

Introduction to Maps and Globes

Why: Students must be able to locate and identify geographical features on maps to analyze the distribution of landforms across Canada.

Key Vocabulary

Tectonic Plate	Large, rigid slabs of rock that make up the Earth's outer shell, constantly moving and interacting with each other.
Plate Boundary	The zone where two tectonic plates meet, characterized by geological activity like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Convergent Boundary	An area where two tectonic plates collide, often resulting in the formation of mountains or deep ocean trenches.
Divergent Boundary	A boundary where two tectonic plates move apart, leading to the creation of new crust, such as at mid-ocean ridges.
Transform Boundary	A boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, causing significant earthquake activity.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Tectonic plates float on a liquid ocean of magma.

What to Teach Instead

The mantle is actually solid rock that flows very slowly like silly putty. Using a 'viscosity' demonstration helps students understand this 'solid-but-flowing' concept.

Common Misconception

Earthquakes only happen at the edges of plates.

What to Teach Instead

While most do, 'intraplate' earthquakes can happen in the middle of a plate, like those in the St. Lawrence Valley. Mapping historical quakes in Ontario and Quebec can surface this surprising fact.

Active Learning Ideas

Hands-on Modeling: Plate Boundaries

Using graham crackers and icing (or clay), students model convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries. They must demonstrate how each movement creates a specific landform like a mountain range or a rift valley.

40 min·Pairs

Inquiry Circle: Canada's Earthquake Zones

Groups use online seismic data to map recent earthquakes in Canada. They identify patterns and discuss why certain regions, like the BC coast, are more 'at risk' than others.

45 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share: Living on the Edge

Students discuss the pros and cons of living in a tectonically active area (e.g., beautiful scenery vs. earthquake risk). They share their thoughts on what cities like Vancouver should do to prepare for 'the Big One.'

20 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• Geologists use seismic data from monitoring stations along the Pacific Ring of Fire, which affects British Columbia, to understand earthquake patterns and issue warnings.
• Engineers in Vancouver, a city located near a major transform fault, design earthquake-resistant buildings and infrastructure to withstand seismic shaking.
• The formation of the Canadian Rockies, a result of convergent plate boundaries, provides significant tourism opportunities and influences resource extraction in Alberta and British Columbia.

Assessment Ideas

Quick Check

Provide students with images of different landforms (e.g., the Himalayas, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the San Andreas Fault). Ask them to identify the type of plate boundary responsible for each and briefly explain why.

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'How does understanding plate tectonics help us predict where and why earthquakes occur in Canada?' Facilitate a class discussion, encouraging students to reference specific Canadian regions and plate boundary types.

Exit Ticket

On an index card, have students draw a simple diagram of one type of plate boundary. They should label the plates, the direction of movement, and one resulting landform or geological event.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three types of tectonic plate boundaries?

The three types are divergent (plates moving apart), convergent (plates moving together), and transform (plates sliding past each other). Each type creates different geological features like ridges, mountains, or faults.

How were the Rocky Mountains formed?

The Rockies were formed by a convergent boundary where the North American plate collided with other smaller plates. This intense pressure caused the Earth's crust to fold and push upward over millions of years.

Why is the Canadian Shield so stable?

The Canadian Shield is made of very old, hard igneous and metamorphic rock. It is located in the middle of the North American plate, far from the active boundaries where most tectonic activity occurs.

How can active learning help students understand tectonic processes?

Hands-on modeling allows students to see and feel the forces that shape the Earth. Instead of just looking at diagrams, students physically manipulate 'plates' to see how they interact, which helps them visualize the massive, slow-moving processes that create our landscape.