What lays beneath our feet? (tectonic plates etc) - Teacher notes

The initial segment of the lesson aims to elucidate the process of mountain formation for pupils. Educators are advised to use A4 paper, preferably in varied colours, to represent the Earth's surface and its multiple layers. This visual representation serves as a continuation of the geological concepts introduced in Year 3, specifically those pertaining to rocks. By having students apply pressure to a stack of these paper sheets, they can observe firsthand the folding and crumpling effect, which serves as an analogue to the tectonic forces at play in mountain formation.

Further to the hands-on activity, pupils are directed to watch two educational videos available online, which are intended to enhance their understanding of the subject matter. These visual aids are designed to complement the practical demonstration and provide a more in-depth explanation of the geological phenomena. The lesson delves into the broader questions of how mountains are formed and what causes natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes, all of which are linked to the dynamic nature of the Earth's tectonic plates and the forces that lie beneath our feet.