ENGAGE
It’s easy enough to figure out how a volcanic mountain forms because its processes are visible and rapid on the geologic or human time scale. But what about other features that form more slowly, like Denali (Mt. McKinley), or Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest), or Uluru (Ayer’s Rock)? Clearly, these mountains are not volcanic, so early geologists struggled to piece together the puzzle of how these mountains were formed and in turn are worn away.
Little did early geoscientists know the answer to the mystery of mountains was directly related to other important questions, such as the curious fitting shape of the Atlantic continents and the similar fossil record and geology of opposite shores across the ocean.
EXPLORE
Let’s use these select TD resources to take a closer look at the geologically recent discovery of plate tectonics and how it explains how mountains are made and how entire continents drift apart.
Plate Tectonics: An Introduction
Tectonic Plate Movement in Alaska
Mountain Maker, Earth Shaker 
Tectonic Plates, Earthquakes and VolcanoesEXPLAIN
- Compare Pangaea’s break-up 200 million years ago to Earth’s 4.6 billion year history.
- Describe the relationship between tectonic forces, mountains and earthquakes.
- Describe and contrast weathering and eroding forces for Earth’s landscapes.
EXTEND
- What local geologic structures and/or forces are evident to your students?
- How you might use any of these resources in your classes?
EVALUATE
- Describe the value of your students' understanding of geologic processes.
