Science · Grades 6-8

Earth and Space Science Facts (Grades 6-8)

Plate tectonics, weather systems, and basic astronomy facts for a middle school earth and space science course.

40 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.

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What is plate tectonics?
The theory that Earth's crust is divided into plates that move and interact
How many major tectonic plates make up Earth's crust?
About 7 major plates (sometimes counted as 8)
What are the three main types of plate boundaries?
Divergent, convergent, and transform
What happens at a divergent plate boundary?
Two plates move apart and new oceanic crust forms
What happens at a convergent plate boundary?
Two plates collide or move toward each other
What happens at a transform plate boundary?
Two plates slide horizontally past each other
What is the Mid-Ocean Ridge?
An underwater mountain range where new oceanic crust forms at divergent boundaries
What landforms typically result when two continental plates collide?
Mountains
What is magma?
Molten (melted) rock found inside the Earth
What is lava?
Magma that has erupted onto Earth's surface
What causes earthquakes?
The sudden movement and release of energy from tectonic plates
What is a volcano?
An opening in Earth's crust where molten rock, ash, and gases erupt
What force drives the movement of tectonic plates?
Heat from Earth's interior and convection currents in the mantle
What is the name of the layer below Earth's crust?
The mantle
Is oceanic crust or continental crust denser?
Oceanic crust is denser

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