Plate Tectonics: Moving Continents (Part 2)

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

mineral
igneous
metamorphic

Materials Needed

rain gauge
cotton balls
food coloring
clear container
rocks

Safety First

Be careful with scissors — ask an adult for help if needed.
Do not look directly at the sun or bright lights.

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?