Download Sixth Grade Science

Earth Structure:
Earth Structures Research Project Outline
Project Objective: To become an expert in an Earth Structure created by plate
tectonics.
Grading: Your grade for this project is based on 3 criteria:
 Outline completed thoroughly and by Monday, June 2: 20 points
 The quality of your slide presentation completed by June 5/6: 15 points
 Your classmates’ evaluation of your 3-5 minute presentation: 15 points
To help you better understand the outline; the example of the volcano, Mt.
Krakatoa, is used throughout this outline. This should give you a clear idea
about completing each section.
1) Location information describes where your Earth Structure can be found. Look
for the following information:
Latitude:
Longitude:
Natural landmarks that contain your Earth Structure or are right next to your
Earth Structure such as oceans, continents, countries, major cities: include the
compass directions.
Type your own information here:
Example: Searched “Mt. Krakatoa location” and looked at world maps :
• Mt. Krakatoa is part of a group of volcanic islands.
• In the Indonesian language, the volcano is called Mt. Krakatau.
• Located at 6.10 South latitude and 105.42 East longitude in the Indian
Ocean.
• Mt. Krakatoa is in Indonesia (Northwest of Australia) in the Sunda Strait
between the islands of Java and Sumatra.
• Sumatra is to the Northwest and Java is to the Southeast.
2) Physical features describe how your Earth Structure can be recognized by its
physical features. Along with terrain descriptions, be sure to include depth or
elevation information along with length and width. All measurements should be
metric.
Type your own information here:
Example: Searched “Mt. Krakatoa geography or physical features”:
• Before the 1883 eruption, Mt. Krakatoa was 1800 meters above sea level.
• The island was 11 km long and 6.4 km wide.
• Mt. Krakatoa is reforming, emerging from the sea in 1952. It has been
renamed Anak Krakatau (child of Krakatau).
3) Formation information includes a detailed description of how your Earth
Structure came into existence through plate tectonics. This section may include
information about tectonic plate movement or volcanic activity. Try to be as
specific as possible.
Type your own information here:
Example: Searched “Mt. Krakatoa geology or formation”; Also used the
vocabulary and diagram on page 90-91 of the Earth Structure text to help
with this section.:
• Mt. Krakatoa is one of over 130 active stratovolcanoes caused by the
convergence and subduction of the Indo-Australian plate beneath the
Eurasian plate.
• The Indo-Australian plate carries Australia and India.
• This subduction creates island arcs like Java and Sumatra with many
volcanoes.
4) Geologic activity includes information on current or most recent geologic
activity such as volcanic, earthquake or geothermal activity.
Type your own information here:
Example: Searched “Mt. Krakatoa recent geologic activity”
• Mt. Krakatoa is actually an historic volcano; famous for its eruption on
May 20, 1883 when it was mostly destroyed.
• The island continued to erupt through that summer of 1883.
• These were some of the most violent volcanic eruptions in recorded
history.
• An August 27 eruption produced a tsunami 40 meters tall that totally
submerged islands in the area.
• A new volcanic island is forming in the same spot. This volcanic island is
growing 5 meters a year.
5) Local people and cultures describes the people who live on or near your Earth
Structure and some interesting information about their culture. HINT: Pick three
topics of interest to you, such as: food, religion, language, economy, sports, or
government.
Type your own information here:
Example: Since Krakatoa Island is not inhabited; I researched nearby Java
Island; I chose food, economy, and language. Just search these topics
specifically; such as “ food of Java”.
• Food in Java is similar to some Indian and Arabic flavors. The food is spicy
but also uses palm sugar for sweetness. Steamed rice is served at almost
every meal.
• The economy of Java depends on growing crops such as rubber, tea, coffee,
tobacco, and rice. Java also has tin, gold, silver, copper, and sulfur.
• Java has its own language called Javanese, which most people speak.
6) Include all citations for sources used in your research.