Tectónica de placas: ciencia con malvaviscos

In this one-time class, students will learn about tectonic plate movement while making (and eating) a favorite treat. The class will be supported by a short introduction on plate boundaries and subduction zones presented in Nearpod. Parents do not need to create a Nearpod account as I will share my screen.

Students will learn about divergent, convergent, and transform plate boundaries, what happens at each boundary, and the key features present at each boundary. Students will demonstrate their knowledge through modeling each boundary with a yummy treat. Plate tectonics controls the way the landscapes on Earth look and the features present in each area. Students will get a hands-on experience in being able to create continental crust and demonstrating the way the process of subduction works. 

Students will need the following materials for this class:
1. A plate of whipped cream spread out so that 2 graham crackers at a time can fit on top. (Parents may need to be available to refill the whipped cream for younger learners to get the best learning experience.) You'll want to make the whipped cream about 1 cm thick for each of the representations we do so that they can visualize what is happening. There are a total of 4 different models we will create.
2. 8 to 10 graham crackers
3. One large marshmallow
4. One small bowl of water
5. Paper towels for clean up

Students will be able to describe what is occurring at each boundary while enjoying this fun and edible experiment.

I look forward to seeing your student in class.