How are mountains formed? - Info sheet

Mountains are majestic natural structures that are formed through the movements of tectonic plates. When these plates move towards each other, the pressure between them causes the Earth's crust to push upwards, creating peaks and ranges. This process is similar to pushing two ends of several A4 sheets of paper together, which demonstrates on a small scale how layers of the Earth's surface are affected by forces. These geological forces are not only responsible for the creation of mountains but also for triggering earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity. The rocks that we see forming the mountains may have originated from sea floors, compressed and elevated to great heights over time.

To deepen their understanding of mountain formation, pupils are encouraged to engage in interactive activities. After watching informative videos that explain the concept in varying levels of complexity, they are tasked with creating a quiz with up to 10 questions related to how mountains are formed. Additionally, a hands-on activity using a tank filled with layers of sand and chalk simulates the tectonic actions. By pushing a hard piece of card or board against these layers, students can observe the distortion and elevation of these layers, providing a visual representation of the mountain-forming process. This educational approach helps pupils to grasp the dynamic processes occurring beneath our feet that shape the Earth's topography.