Plate Tectonics: Moving Continents

What You'll Learn

Tectonic plates are huge slabs of Earth's crust that float on the mantle. Where plates meet, earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain building occur.

Key Words

erosion
sediment

Materials Needed

sand
clay
water

Safety First

Use materials only as directed in the experiment.
Keep small objects away from young children.
Work in a well-ventilated area when using vinegar or other strong-smelling substances.

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Study the diagram and label the parts you recognize.

Step 2 — Do

Create a model of the water cycle in a bowl: place warm water in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, put ice on top, and observe condensation and precipitation.

Step 3 — Observe

Use your senses (except taste) to describe what you notice.

Step 4 — Record

Write a summary of your findings in 3-5 sentences.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

What forms when tectonic plates collide?