10

Science

Quarter 1 –
Module 3:
Plate Tectonics Theory
 Expectations
Lesson 1: Plate Tectonics
1. Present pieces of evidence of plate tectonics through plotting the
active volcanoes, earthquake epicenters, and major mountain belts in a world
map;
2. Formulate a general statement describing the distribution of active volcanoes,
earthquake epicenters, and major mountain belts;
3. Infer the relationship of tectonic plates, earthquake epicenters, the occurrence of
volcanoes, and mountain ranges.
4. Relate the distribution of active volcanoes, earthquake epicenters, and major
mountain belts to Plate Tectonic Theory.
Let us start your journey in learning more about plate tectonics. I am sure you are ready
and excited to answer the Pretest. Smile and cheer up!

Pre-Test
Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the answer in your Science
notebook.

1. The darker part of the figure below shows the location of mountain ranges in the
world. What can you say about their location?

(Photo credits: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d4/33/3e/d4333ecaa6a95a333776ebd3e04a35dd.jpg)

Figure 1. Mountain ranges in the world

A. Most are found along the edges of the continents.

B. Most are found underwater.
C. They do not form any pattern.
D. They are scattered.
2. The figure below shows the location of active volcanoes and earthquake
epicenters in the world. Describe how they are arranged.

(Photo credits: http://planetolog.com/maps/map-world/big/volcanic-world-map.gif)

Figure 2. Map of earthquake epicenters and volcanic eruptions

A. They have a common location. C. They are all found in the water.
B. They are scattered. D. They are all found in the land.

3. Which of the following statements supports the plate tectonics theory?

I. The fitting of continents.
II. Same age of rocks on different continents.
III. The occurrence of earthquakes along the trenches.
IV. The formation of volcanoes along the plate boundaries.

A. I and II only C. III and IV only

B. II and III only D. I and IV only

4. Where do most earthquakes frequently occur?

A. Along the plate boundaries
B. Within the continents
C. Within the oceans
D. Anywhere

5. The Philippines has a lot of active volcanoes, often experiences earthquakes,

and has mountain ranges. A most likely explanation for this is that
.
A. It is an archipelago.
B. It is within the danger zone.
C. It is along the Pacific Belt of Fire.
D. It is within the Antarctic Belt of Fire
 Looking Back

In previous modules, you have learned about the Earth’s lithosphere and earthquakes.
Understanding these concepts is needed for the next lessons.

Identify the term described in the following statements by writing the letter that
corresponds to your answer in your Science notebook. Choose from the options inside
the box.

1. A section of the Earth’s crust that floats above the mantle.

2. The point on Earth’s surface where earthquake waves are felt.
3. It divides the Earth’s crust into sections.
4. A method used to locate an earthquake epicenter.
5. The point of origin of an earthquake.

earthqu C. E. plate
ake focus boundaries

It is nice to know that you still remember those lessons. These concepts will be
discussed further in the next lesson.

Brief Introduction
The Earth is constantly changing from inside and outside. Are all geologic processes
such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and formation of mountain ranges related to
each other? In this module, you will gather pieces of evidence to find an answer to that
question. Enjoy learning!
 Activities

Activity 1. Distribution of volcanoes, earthquake epicenters, and mountain ranges

Objectives:
1. Plot some of the world’s active volcanoes, earthquake epicenters, and
mountain ranges in an acetate or plastic sheet.
2. Describe the distribution of the active volcanoes, earthquake, and mountain
ranges in the world.
3. Relate the distribution of volcanoes, earthquake epicenters, and mountain
ranges to plate tectonics.

Materials:
plastic sheet map of mountain
ranges map of earthquake epicenters map of active
volcanoes 3 colors of marking pen

Procedure:
1. Prepare a marking pen and a plastic sheet.
2. Place the overlay plastic on the maps and dot mark the following:
Note: Assign a particular color of marker and plastic acetate for each figure.
Figure 3. Active volcanoes in the
world Figure 4. Earthquake epicenters
Figure 5. Mountain ranges in the world

Figure 3. Active volcanoes of the world

 Figure 4. Earthquake epicenters

(Photo credits:
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d4/33/3e/d4333ecaa6a95a3
33776ebd3e04a35dd.jpg)
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de Questions:
1. Based on the given figures, describe the arrangement of the following:
a. active volcanoes
b. earthquake epicenters
c. mountain ranges
2. Looking at the overlay sheets, do you see any relationship in the location
of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters?
3. How are volcanoes, earthquake epicenters, and mountain belts
usually distributed on the Earth’s surface relative to each other?
4. Relate the distribution of these geologic features and processes to
plate boundaries.
5. Do these pieces of evidence support the Plate Tectonics Theory? Explain
your answer.
 Remember

● Plate Tectonics Theory states that the Earth consists of slabs of crust
called plates which are continuously moving.
● The movement of plates explains the occurrence of volcanism, seismicity,
and mountain formation.
● Most geologic activities happen along the plate boundaries.

Checking Your Understanding

You need a world map and your notebook to do this.

(Photo credits: Wikimedia.org)

Figure 6. Earth’s Plates
Using the above figure, name five countries then fill in the table below by putting a
check (/) mark under the column where such occurrence is observed.
An example is done for you.
Earthquake Mountain
Country Volcanic
activity epicenter Formation
E.g. Philippines / / /
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
 Post-Test
Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the answer in your Science
notebook.

1. Where are volcanoes usually form?

A. In the oceans C. Along the plate boundaries
B. In the continents D. No particular pattern

2. What is common among mountains, earthquakes, and volcanoes?

A. They cause disasters.
B. They suddenly happen.
C. They are due to plate motion.
D. They are measured by seismographs.

3. Which best describes the distribution of earthquake epicenters in

the world?
A. They are randomly arranged. C. They are in pairs.
B. They are clustered. D. They are anywhere.

4. Why do earthquakes usually occur at plate boundaries?

A. The plate boundaries are seismically active for millions of years
B. The rock on the edges of tectonic plates is soft and deforms easily
C. Great stress on rocks in environments near tectonic plate boundaries
D. Less stress on rock in environments near tectonic plate boundaries

5. All countries along the Pacific Belt of Fire experience earthquakes and
volcanic activities more frequently than those in any part of the world. This
statement is.
A. True
B. False