Snack Tectonics

An Edible Boundary Masterpiece

Three Types of Tectonic Plate

Boundaries Divergent : two tectonic plates move apart. Convergent : two tectonic plates push

together. Transform: two tectonic plates move past

each other.

Subduction The process by which an oceanic tectonic

plate sinks under the continental plate into the Earth’s mantle.

Materials Required ½ graham cracker (per pair) Square of wax paper with frosting (per pair) Dixie cup with water (per group of 4) Engineering Notebooks (all students!)

Please discuss with group who will retrieve which supplies.

Materials Graham crackers represents

CONTINENTIAL CRUST. Frosting represents ASTHENOSPERE.

Procedure1. Follow all directions on screen. We will complete

this together step by step.2. Record all observations in Engineering Notebook.3. Take turns using the materials.4. Use academic discourse – be nice, participate, add

something to the discussion!5. NO PLAYING – if you play, your supplies will go

away and you will USE the TEXTBOOK.6. Gather materials, then sit quietly to show you are

ready.

Observation 11. Break your ½ graham cracker apart (2

pieces).2. Place each piece on the frosting layer next

to each other with the narrow side touching.

3. Push down slightly on both crackers and slowly push them apart.

4. Draw what you see happening and add a brief description.

Observation 21. Place graham crackers back on frosting in

original position (touching narrow edges).2. Move graham crackers toward each other,

but push down harder on one while gently moving the other.

3. Draw what you see happening and add a brief description.

Observation 31. Dip the narrow end of both crackers in the

cup of water for a few seconds.2. Place crackers back on frosting with wet

edges facing each other.3. Slowly push the graham crackers toward

each other.4. Draw what you see happening and add a

brief description.

Observation 41. Turn crackers so that the wide edges are

touching.

2. Move crackers to a clean part of your wax paper.

3. Slowly move one cracker past the other making sure the sides hit.

4. Draw and describe what you see.

Final Steps1. Under all observations, write a brief

reflection of what you saw happening.a. Compare and contrast the

observations – what was similar and what was different? Why?

b. Which observation caused the most damage? Why?

c. What does this have to do with layers of the Earth and tectonic plates?

2. Enjoy the remains of your activity! 3. Complete Exit ticket

Exit Ticket On a separate sheet of paper answer the

following: Name three types of plate boundaries.

Using arrows, show which direction each plate is moving in.