Lesson on Plate Tectonics

The lesson I did this week focused on plate tectonic theory.  I wanted to use a model that would accomplish two learning targets: 

One: Students would understand that plates are not definite shapes and can be part of a continent while extending under an ocean.
Two: Students would be able to recognize that plates are in constant movement due to the unstable mantel beneath the crust.

To represent these two ideas, I had students take pieces of sponge (that had been torn into irregular shapes and thicknesses) that they floated in a container of water.  I then asked students to record their observations of how the sponge behaved in the water.  Students then worked to cover the entire surface with sponge.  While you could see the sponge filling the container, some was above the water line, while some was below (oceans).  Students then exerted a force on the container and recorded their observations.  This was to represent how the plates are in place, but do have the ability to move slightly.

Students had fun with the activity and I believe were able to develop an understanding of plate tectonic theory.  In the future, however, I think I would use a different model.  While this was able to get the point across, I think there would be something more realistic out there.  Also, I felt like students needed more background knowledge to understand that while the plates are separate, they also fit together neatly.  I thought about using the hard boiled egg model to begin the lesson.  That way, students would start with some background knowledge of how the plates might look.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/tryit/tectonics/

I think the use of models can be highly effective in helping students visualize a new concept or idea.