Learning Targets

• Students can construct an explanation based on evidence for how The Theory of Plate Tectonics explains the various geological features on our planet.

Success Criteria

• I can make inferences based on observations.

• I can explain how processes in the earth can have an impact on geologic features on the surface.

By this point...

...we have observed changes in the Earth's surface, followed the data collected by past scientists, and collected our own data on the occurrences of major geologic events.  All of this has led to the understanding that the Earth's surface is constantly being reshaped over long periods of time.  The question that still remains is, what causes these changes?  Critics of the The Theory of Continental Drift thought that there was no force powerful enough to move the continents around.

What do you think?

Procedures

1. Copy the following chart into your Science Notebook - Convection in the Mantle Observation Chart

2. In this demonstration you will observe as two different colors of food coloring are dropped in either side of a tank of water.  The tank is set up with a heat source in the middle at the bottom.  (see the diagram below)

3. Predict the outcome of the demonstration.  What will happen and why do you think it will happen?

4. Observe the demonstration by the teacher or watch the following video. If you are viewing a live demonstration, starting with an initial observation, make rough diagrams of your observations every 45 seconds for a total of 3 minutes and 45 seconds. This will give you six diagrams. 

*If you are watching the video only (because it is sped up) once the demonstration begins, pause to make observations every 10 seconds. You will need to watch up to the 1 minute and 30 second mark.