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Solid Earth Socratic Questions

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Questions regarding the solid Earth are arranged in sequence for a session of Socratic questioning.

Learning Goals

To be aware of scientific hypotheses regarding the nature of plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanoes. To recognize the types of evidence used to evaluate hypotheses regarding plate tectonics and mountain building. To understand fundamental aspects of the materials that compose the Earth, including minerals and rocks.

Context for Use

This example is suitable for in-class use during a lecture period. No equipment is required unless the instructor wishes to use supplemental images. In that case, the images can be shown either with an overhead or computer projector. Images of rocks, minerals, and tectonic plates are available at numerous web sites, and add significant impact to this topic during class discussions. Some examples are given below in References and Resources.

Teaching Materials

Sample questions arranged in sequence for Socratic questioning regarding the Solid Earth:

  • How big is the Earth and what material is inside our planet?

  • What do we know about the interior of the Earth?

  • What is an earthquake? What causes them? Why are some stronger than others?

  • What is a fault? What are the different types of faults? What is the fundamental cause of the different types of faults?

  • What is plate tectonics?

  • What is a tectonic plate?

  • Why is continental crust so much thicker than oceanic crust?

  • When did plate tectonics begin on Earth, and is it still an active process today?

  • are the different types of plate boundaries and what geological features do they create?

  • What force(s) drive plate tectonics?

  • What are volcanoes? How do they form?


  • Where does the heat come from to create lavas? Why, after 4.5 billion years, is the Earth not completely cooled?

  • What are the various processes that create mountain ranges?

  • What are rocks? What are the three major types of rocks and how does each type form?

  • What are minerals? Explain the various processes by which they form.

  • How is the surface of the Earth modified? Explain the various processes by which this modification occurs.

  • General answers for the first 11 questions are provided at Solid Earth Answers (Microsoft Word 63kB Jul16 03).

    Teaching Notes and Tips


    To explore questions on the Solid Earth fully, allow at least an entire class period of 50 to 90 minutes.





    References and Resources

    Many excellent web sites exist that contain educational resources and imagery for teaching about the Solid Earth. Three good ones to begin with are:



    Resource Type

    Activities:Classroom Activity:Short Activity:Socratic Questioning

    Grade Level

    College Lower (13-14):Introductory Level

    Ready for Use

    Ready to Use

    Earth System Topics

    Solid Earth


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