Build a Model of Sea-Floor Spreading and Subduction
Hard
Plate tectonics is the slow movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is broken into plates. Sea-floor spreading creates new lithosphere, and earthquakes occur when two plates slip past each other. Build a model to explore these phenomena!
Hypothesis
The hypothesis is that building a model of the Earth's outer 300 km will help to better understand the features of plate tectonics.
Method & Materials
You will build a model of the Earth's outer 300 km using a cardboard shoebox, glue, scissors, a straight edge, and a safety razor blade.
You will need a cardboard shoebox, glue, scissors, a straight edge, and a safety razor blade.
Results
After building the model, you can explore the features of plate tectonics, including sea-floor spreading, the pattern of magnetic stripes frozen into the sea floor, transform faulting, thrust faulting, subduction, and volcanism. The model also reveals that plates are moving at a rate of about 5 cm/y, which is about the rate that fingernails grow!
Why do this project?
This science project is interesting and unique because it allows students to explore the features of plate tectonics in a hands-on way.
Also Consider
Experiment variations to consider include adding color to the model to enhance it, or exploring different rates of plate movement.
Full project details
You can find additional information and details for this science fair project here. Have fun exploring!Related video
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