This lesson will help students understand the ecological impacts of volcanism in the Mariana Islands. They will be able to describe at least three beneficial impacts of volcanic activity on marine ecosystems and explain the overall tectonic processes that cause volcanic activity along the Mariana Arc. In addition to being tied to the National Science Education Standards, this hands-on, inquiry-based ... Full description.

This homepage for Professor Tanya Atwater of UC Santa Barbara links to a collection of geo-educational animation clips and other visual learning resources created by the Educational Multimedia Visualization Center (EMVC). Instructional animations are accompanied by descriptive text. Most focus on plate tectonics and structural evolution, and all may be freely downloaded for personal or educational ... Full description.

The earths crust is constantly in motion. Sections of the crust, called plates, push against each other due to forces from the molten interior of the earth. The areas where these plates collide often have increased volcanic and earthquake activity. These images show the locations of the plates and their boundaries in the earths crust. Convergent boundaries are areas where two plates are pushing against ... Full description.

This activity will offer an opportunity for students to search the Web to find information about the chemistry of hydrothermal vents. Students will be able to define hydrothermal vents and explain the overall processes that lead to their formation and explain the origin of mineral-rich fluids associated with hydrothermal vents. In addition, students will be able to explain how black smokers and white ... Full description.

This teacher's guide provides directions for building three-dimensional models from foam blocks to demonstrate plate tectonic principles, plate boundary interactions and the geometry and relative motions of faulting of geologic layers. References are included. Full description.

This site, from the San Diego Natural History Museum, contains a group of thirteen classroom activities, based on the film entitled Ocean Oasis. These science activities offer an interdisciplinary approach, involving language arts, mathematics, and history/social studies, as well as science knowledge and skills. They may be used individually, with or without viewing the movie, or as an integrated ... Full description.

This portal provides links to selected United States Geological Survey (USGS) educational resources that may be useful to educators in primary school grades. Many of these resources can be used directly in the classroom, as preparation for lessons or demonstrations, or as resources for teacher education and curriculum development. Major topic areas include biology, geography, geology, and water resources. ... Full description.

This set of lecture notes discusses the occurrence and tectonic settings of igneous rocks near convergent plate margins. A discussion of petrography includes major element composition, calc-alkaline trends in ternary diagrams, trace element variations, isotopes to distinguish magma sources, and the origin of igneous rocks at convergent margins. The lecture notes include helpful illustrations, maps ... Full description.

This data tip describes the science behind the tsunamis caused by the great earthquake of December 26, 2004, which caused catastrophic damage and loss of life throughout the Indian Ocean basin. The discussion centers on how tsunamis are generated and how great quakes and resulting tsunamis occur at subducting plate boundaries. Links to more detailed information are embedded in the text. An exercise ... Full description.

In this activity, students will be joining with current geoscientists in becoming a part of the research community that is exploring and revolutionizing the theory of plate tectonics. Through the use of mapping skills and inquiry-based problem solving, students will predict and then analyze the layout of the tectonic plates that form the ocean floors. They will also compare the depth of various regions ... Full description.