Tectonic Plates - Digital Science Reading Article - Grades 5-7
Plate tectonics reading article covering oceanic and continental plates, convection currents, and convergent, transform and divergent boundaries, with examples like the San Andreas Fault and the Himalayas.

- Grades
- Grades 5–7, Elementary, Middle School
- File type
- Multiple File Types
- Subject
- Science, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Earth Sciences
- Topic
- tectonic plates reading, tectonic plates
- Resource types
- Worksheets & Printables, Worksheets
About this resource
What's inside this resource
Tectonic Plates Science Article for Grades 5-7 This science reading activity tackles literacy and earth science concepts for grades 5-7 students. The informative article explains tectonic plates and boundaries through text and visuals. Key vocabulary terms are highlighted for student reference. Knowledge, thinking, connecting, and open-ended question types allow students to engage with the content. The reading covers:
- What are tectonic plates
- Plate movement causes - Plate boundary types
- Boundary examples This versatile resource works for whole class, small groups, assignments, and emergency plans. The reading integrates with Google Classroom for easy distribution. Purchase includes editable Word document, PDF, and answer key. Using scientific articles improves literacy, comprehension, knowledge application, and analysis skills. It provides an independent learning activity for gifted students too. The engaging content suits grades 5-7 learning levels. Students need 40-60 minutes to complete reading and questions. Teach complex earth science ideas through literacy with this no-prep supplementary resource!
In the classroom
Teaching tips & learning objectives
Learning objectives
- Explain how convection currents cause tectonic plates to move
- Compare convergent, transform and divergent boundaries using real examples such as the Mariana Trench and the Great Rift Valley
Teaching tips
- One extension question uses an interactive website reached by link or QR code, so students need a device with internet access for that item.
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Resource details
Concepts & topics
Core concepts
- Tectonic plates
- Convection currents
- Plate boundaries
- Subduction
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