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Modeling Tectonic Plates

Use motors to represent the movement of tectonic plates

Modeling Tectonic Plates

Created By

Elizabeth Fried and Sharon Thompson, Bullis Charter School, California

Programming Language

Any language supported by Hummingbird Duo

Subjects

Science

Grades

4-5, 6-8, 9-12

Objective & Learning Goals

  • Students will research plate tectonics and write a three page summary paper.
  • Student will build a three-dimensional model of a geologic fault.
  • Students will animate the model using with Hummingbird with Scratch or Snap!.

Standards

MS-ESS2-2. Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth’s surface at varying time and spatial scales.

MS-ESS2-3. Analyze and interpret data on the distribution of fossils and rocks, continental shapes, and seafloor structures to provide evidence of the past plate motions.

This project is aligned with NGSS Science and Engineering Practice #2, Developing and Using Models. It also meets Common Core ELA anchor standards for research and writing informative text, including CCRA.W.1, CCRA.W.2, and CCRA.W.8.

Photo Gallery

Project-based learning is a core part of the curriculum at Bullis Charter School. In seventh grade social studies, students are posed this driving question: “How can we represent tectonic plate movement in 3D with earthquakes and geologic features?” The project begins with an introductory field trip to the San Andreas fault in which students collect physical evidence of the 1906 earthquake. Next, students work in groups of 2-3 to research plate tectonics and write a short paper. They then build a three-dimensional model of a particular fault, and design mechanisms to demonstrate how tectonic plates move relative to one another. Then they animate that model using the Hummingbird with Scratch or Snap!.

Get more information about this great project in Sharon Thompson’s SXSWEDU presentation!

Differentiation: Tectonic models can vary in complexity to make the project accessible to all academic levels. Programming complexity can also vary from basic movement to adding sensors and variables to calculate movement based on the Richter scale level of the earthquake.