Plate tectonics is presented in introductory geology texts as the “grand unifying theory.” So why, then, is plate tectonics often one of the last topics covered in text books and what, exactly, is the theory unifying? To better appreciate geologic processes, students first need a foundation from which they can explore the different chapter subjects that follow. Plate tectonics can serve as this foundation and by covering it early in the course, each subsequent chapter can then be related back to plate tectonics, thereby revealing the “unifying” nature of the theory.

To this end, students need a visual representation as to how each chapter relates to plate tectonics. Flow charts can serve this purpose by illustrating how geologic phenomena relate to plate tectonic processes. Often a student will read the text without “seeing” how these seemingly separate chapters fit into an overall picture. The advantage of a flow chart is that it allows students to easily visualize these connections. These figures provide a summary or overview that helps the student understand how each chapter makes a connection to plate tectonics. This can provide a broader and a more thorough understanding of the global nature of geology.

Similar connections can also be made within each chapter. Flow charts can illustrate how the information from a single chapter is related to the overall chapter theme. They provide the “big picture” for each chapter. Additionally, each flow chart can “point” to other chapter topics to show further relationships. Consequently, the student can use each figure as a foundation on which to build a more detailed understanding of the connections and relationships inherent in the study of our planet and its processes.