Download Edible Tectonics Lab 2011

Edible Tectonics Lab
Introduction
The theory of plate tectonics states that the Earth’s surface is broken into small and large rigid
plates. These plates make up the layer known as the ___. This layer sits on top of the
asthenosphere, or upper ____. Because of extreme heat from below and pressure from
above, this layer actually flows in ______ currents, carrying the plates with it. You will use a
model of the earth’s interior to show the differences in behavior and texture of the earth’s
layers.
Place your candy bar on the paper towel. Unwrap the candy but do not eat it or break. Follow
each step of lab when instructed, completing the assigned tasks in your interactive notebook.
1. Push your thumb gently into the top of the candy, just until the chocolate coating cracks.
 Draw your candy bar earth in your notebook.
 Label the areas of the candy bar that resemble tectonic plates
2. Gently pull the candy bar apart from each side until you see the caramel underneath the
chocolate –do not break it all the way apart.
 Draw your candy bar in your notebook.
 Name this drawing with the type of plate movement you have just modeled.
 On your drawing label the areas of the candy bar that represent different layers of the
earth, components of those layers, land forms created by this type of boundary.
 Label older and younger rock on your diagram.
3. Now push the sides of the candy bar back together gently, so that the two pieces of rigid
crust hit each other.
 Draw your candy bar in your notebook.
 Name this drawing with the type of plate movement you have just modeled.
 On your drawing label the areas of the candy bar that represent land forms created by this
type of boundary.
4. Discuss with your group how you might model the third type of plate boundary. Describe how
you might model this boundary with your candy bar.
5. Describe how well your candy bar worked as a model for the movement of Earth’s plates.
What worked well, what did work as well as anticipated. Can you think of a food that would
serve as a better model? Why?