Simulating Plate Tectonics with Foam and Sand
Objective: Understand how tectonic plates interact at different boundaries.
Materials:
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2 foam sheets (around 8×8 inches)
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Tray with 1 inch of sand
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Ruler
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Marker
Procedure:
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Mark the center of each foam sheet.
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Place both foam sheets in the sand tray side-by-side to represent tectonic plates.
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Slowly move the sheets toward each other, pulling apart, and sliding past each other to simulate convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries.
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Observe how the sand behaves at each interaction.
Outcome:
Demonstrates how different plate movements cause earthquakes, mountain formation, and rifts. Students will see how surface deformation varies by boundary type.
