Puzzling plates provides an interactive and engaging experience that allows users to explore the large tectonic plates of the earth surface. This app consists of three levels; each level has a bonus round and hands-on activity. Level 1 teaches about the positioning of tectonic plates on the earth surface by moving them into their various positions like a jigsaw puzzle. Level 2 involves the right positioning of volcanoes and earthquakes on the earth surface, and Level 3 teaches how plate boundaries collide and split.

Website: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id486435632

What Users Love About the App

“Students developed a deeper understanding of Plate Tectonics in one period using this app than they typically would across days of “typical” instruction. I highly recommend this app for anyone teaching plate tectonics. There’s really nothing I would suggest as far as improvements.”

“Students in 8th grade used this app individually to deepen their understanding of plate tectonics. The students were completely engaged with the app and learned a lot.”

“It is a tool that could be used across all age levels to help students start thinking about tectonic plates.”

“Older students could easily memorize plates and their relative sizes using this app, as well as make some important observations about where earthquakes and volcanoes cluster. They can also learn about the different types of plate movements in a tactile way that is much more engaging than a geography book diagram!”

What Users Dislike About the App

“I don’t think this could be the core of any high-level lessons.’