Introduction
INTRODUCTION
Have you ever wondered why earthquakes happen, why volcanoes form, or why continents seem to fit together like puzzle pieces? In this WebQuest, you will become young geologists investigating the hidden forces beneath the Earth’s surface.
You will explore interactive websites, maps, and videos to understand how tectonic plates move and shape the world we live in. By the end of the activity, you will create a meaningful output that shows what you have discovered.
Earth is constantly moving, though we don’t always feel it. Beneath your feet lies a powerful system of shifting plates that shape continents, form mountains, trigger earthquakes, and create volcanoes. In this WebQuest, you will become a geoscientist uncovering the mysteries of tectonic plates. Prepare to explore the hidden forces of our planet and discover how plate movements affect the world around us.
Task
TASK
Your mission is to create a visual infographic titled “How Tectonic Plates Shape the Earth.”
Your infographic must explain the following clearly:
1. What tectonic plates are
2. The three types of plate boundaries
3. Real-world examples of plate interactions
4. How these movements lead to earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain formation
You will work in pairs and submit your infographic digitally.
Process
PROCESS
Follow these steps carefully:
1. Watch and Explore
Watch the introductory videos provided.
ou may use the following websites as references:
- National Geographic – Plate Tectonics
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/plate-tectonics/
- USGS Earthquake Information
https://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/kids/
- University of Arizona – Plate Boundaries
https://www.geo.arizona.edu/tectonics/plates/plate_boundaries.html
- IRIS Earthquake Animations
https://www.iris.edu/hq/inclass/animation
Read the background information about tectonic plates.
2. Research the Key Concepts
What are tectonic plates?
What are the types of plate boundaries?
Why do earthquakes and volcanoes occur?
3. Study Real-World Examples
Look at global plate maps.
Identify at least three examples of plate boundaries around the world (e.g., Pacific Ring of Fire).
4. Create Your Infographic
Use any of these free tools:
Canva
Google Slides
PowerPoint
Make sure your infographic is clear, well-designed, and accurate.
5. Submit Your Work
Upload your infographic to your class platform (Google Classroom / LMS).
Evaluation
| Criteria | Excellent (4) | Good (3) | Satisfactory (2) | Needs Improvement (1) |
| Content Accuracy | All information is scientifically accurate and cleaely explained. | Mostly accurate, minor errors | Some inaccuracies or missing deatial | Many inaccuracies; unclear explanations |
| Completeness | Covers all boundary types with clear examples | Covers most tasks with acceptable detail | Some require parts missing | Major sections missing |
| Presentation Quality | Well organized, creative, visually appealing | Organized and clear | Understandable but lacks visual appeal | Disorganized or hard to follow |
| Use of Resources | Used all provided resources effectively | Used most resources | Used few resources | Did not use provided resources |
| Collaboration | Group worked smoothly and evenly | Minor issued in teamwork | Uneven participation | Major teamwork problems |
Conclusion
You have now uncovered some of the Earth’s greatest secrets, how tectonic plates move, interact, and shape the world we live in. Understanding these processes helps us appreciate the dynamic nature of our planet and prepares us for natural events such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. As you move forward, think about how scientific knowledge can guide communities in making safer and smarter decisions.
Credits
You may use the following websites as references:
- National Geographic – Plate Tectonics
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/plate-tectonics/
- USGS Earthquake Information
https://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/kids/
- University of Arizona – Plate Boundaries
https://www.geo.arizona.edu/tectonics/plates/plate_boundaries.html
- IRIS Earthquake Animations