Plate Tectonics Simulation

About this simulation

Earth's rigid lithospheric plates move slowly over the mantle. Their relative motion at boundaries produces characteristic landforms and hazards. Students can change plate boundary and plate speed and compare what happens. Use it for earth science inquiry with Grade 5, Middle School, and High School on a projector or student device.

Standards: NGSS MS-ESS2-2

What students can explore

Push two plates together and watch mountains rise where they meet
Pull them apart and see new ocean floor form in the gap
Set each plate's speed and time how long a gap takes to close

Learning objectives

1Predict how changing plate boundary will affect the relative motion, then test the prediction.
2Use evidence from the interactive visual to explain the result.

Questions teachers ask

Is the Plate Tectonics simulation free?

Yes. Open the Plate Tectonics simulation in a modern browser with no download or sign-up required.

Is it suitable for Grade 5, Middle School, and High School?

The simulation includes learning-level presets spanning Grade 5, Middle School, and High School. Choose the level that matches your class, then use it on a projector or student devices.

Embed this simulation

Drop it into your LMS, blog, or class site — free.

<iframe src="https://kiwibee.io/en/simulations/plate-tectonics-simulation/embed" title="Plate Tectonics Simulation | KiwiBee" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen style="width:100%;height:min(70vh,620px);min-height:420px;border:0;border-radius:16px"></iframe>

Continue exploring

A 3D cross-section of two plates meeting at a boundary. Students choose convergent, divergent or transform motion, change the speed in centimeters per year, and see the landform that builds.

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