Science / Year 9 / Science Understanding / Earth and space sciences

Version 8
Switch to version 9
View on Australian Curriculum website Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority
Curriculum content descriptions

The theory of plate tectonics explains global patterns of geological activity and continental movement (ACSSU180)

Elaborations
  • recognising the major plates on a world map
  • modelling sea-floor spreading
  • relating the occurrence of earthquakes and volcanic activity to constructive and destructive plate boundaries
  • considering the role of heat energy and convection currents in the movement of tectonic plates
  • relating the extreme age and stability of a large part of the Australian continent to its plate tectonic history
General capabilities
  • Numeracy Numeracy
ScOT terms

Plate movement

Refine by resource type

Refine by year level


Refine by learning area


Refine by topic

Related topic
  • No suggestions

13 direct matches to ACSSU180

Interactive

Predicting earthquakes: are we there yet?

  • TLF-IDM016305

Ask and expert' ABC article exemplifies some creative approaches of scientists to the significant problem of predicting earthquakes. The science behind the various methods is outlined, their successes and failures and problems for possible future developments.

View detailsView resource
Video

BTN: Volcanoes and people

  • TLF-IDM016019

Imagine living in the shadow of a volcano? Well, millions of people do in Naples, Italy, where a massive volcano called Vesuvius exists. This clip explores the dangers posed by volcanoes and investigates some recent and ancient eruptions. Find out some misconceptions about volcanoes and discover how science is helping prevent ...

View detailsView resource
Video

BTN: Tsunamis

  • TLF-IDM015964

Discover what powerful force triggers a tsunami. In this clip you will see the damage caused by tsunami, and find out why it occurred. Learn about what is happening on the ocean floor and the connection between tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanoes and tectonic plates. See how a warning centre is working to keep people safe ...

View detailsView resource
Video

BTN: New Zealand's earthquakes

  • TLF-IDM015845

Damaged buildings, flooded roads, and crashed cars! No, it's not a bad dream; it's actually the aftermath of an earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2011. Find out about what causes earthquakes, the damage they cause, and why Christchurch was rocked by two quakes within six months. This clip includes footage of earthquake ...

View detailsView resource
Video

Catalyst: Volcanic eruptions at Mount Ruapehu

  • TLF-IDM015375

Imagine a volcano erupting kilometres away. You are afraid, worried for the safety of yourself and others. Paul Willis presents the work of New Zealand volcanologists conducting research at Mount Ruapehu, a volcano with a history of devastating lahar (water, sediment and rocks) flows. Learn more about lahar flows and the ...

View detailsView resource
Interactive

Laptop wrap UGC: Plate boundaries

  • TLF-IDM015358

A compact resource with a focus on a plate boundaries and links to year 9 Science. Links to one main stimulus that illustrates the three types of plate boundaries and their locations and contains activities.

View detailsView resource
Interactive

EarthViewer

  • TLF-IDM019862

Journey through geological time and discover changes on Earth from the Hadean time, more than 4.5 billion years ago, through to today. Find out about plate tectonics, continental movement, atmospheric conditions, life on Earth, extinction events, fossil sites and much more. Contains many features which include allowing ...

View detailsView resource
Video

ABC News Dr Karl discusses the Earths heat video

  • TLF-IDM015414

Discover the activities deep within the Earth that could seriously impact life on Earth far into the future. Watch this video to find out about the sources of the Earth's own heat. Dr Karl explains clearly just what is below the Earth's surface and what is happening there. As well, he talks about changes in the Sun and ...

View detailsView resource
Video

Catalyst: Predicting earthquakes

  • TLF-IDM015372

Will scientists ever be able to accurately predict earthquakes? Imagine the number of lives that could be saved if this were possible. Dr Maryanne Demasi joins a group of researchers drilling into one of the most earthquake-prone regions on Earth as they try to improve earthquake prediction to add precious seconds to earthquake ...

View detailsView resource
Interactive

Tectonic boundaries

  • TLF-IDL5830

Apply different tectonic forces to plate boundaries. Compare the effects when plates collide, separate, or slide past each other. Investigate the causes of earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes. Investigate important boundary sites, for example the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the Andes, the San Andreas Fault, the Himalayas, and the ...

View detailsView resource
Interactive

Tectonics investigator

  • TLF-IDL5826

Investigate the internal structure of the Earth using earthquake measurements. Examine the Earth’s outer layer. Fit the Earth's tectonic plates together like a jigsaw puzzle. Identify how plate movements produce many features of the Earth’s surface. Predict the formation of new volcanic islands. This learning object is ...

View detailsView resource
Text

Digital tectonics

  • TLF-IDA005776

This set of learning activities challenges students to use accessible digital technologies and hands-on engineering to measure simulated seismic vibrations, analyse and present data, and determine criteria for the design of earthquake tolerant buildings. The module includes a comprehensive teacher guide, curriculum links, ...

View detailsView resource
Text

Mapping the ocean floor

  • TLF-IDA004004

This activity builds understanding of sonar technique and applications through processing and plotting data to discover a seafloor feature and by bouncing balls on different surfaces and analysing rebound, relating this to ground hardness then extend understanding to 'backscatter' in bathymetry surveys. It is suitable for ...

View detailsView resource