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Name:
Date:
Period:
PhET – Interactive Simulations
Plate Tectonics
Directions: The Earth is extremely dynamic!
From the water cycle to the rock cycle, much of
the Earth is always in motion. Much like a
puzzle, the Earth is composed of numerous
tectonic plates, each of which moves in a unique
direction at unique rates. Throughout this
activity, explore plate tectonics, the different
layers of the Earth, and identify relationships
between different variables such as density,
temperature, and thickness. Dig deep into the
Earth and don’t put “too much on your plate!”
ACTIVITY 1  “CRUST”
1. How does the composition of the crust affect its density?
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2. Which type of crust is denser?
a. Oceanic Crust
b. Continental Crust
c. Mantle
3. How does the thickness of the crust affect its density?
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4. Which layer of the entire Earth is densest? (hint: you may need to zoom out to see all layers)
a. Oceanic Crust
b. Continental Crust
c. Mantle
5. What is the relationship between depth and temperature in the Earth’s interior layers? (hint: you may
need to zoom out to see all layers)
a. As depth increases, temperature increases
b. As depth increases, temperature decreases
c. The shallower the depth, the warmer the temperature
6. Which layer of the entire Earth is the warmest? (hint: you may need to zoom out to see all layers)
a. Mantle
b. Outer Core
c. Core
7. Approximately how thick is the oceanic crust?
ANSWER: ________________
8. Approximately how thick is the continental crust?
ANSWER: ________________
9. Approximately how thick is the entire (upper and lower) mantle?
ANSWER: ________________
10. Approximately how thick is the outer core?
ANSWER: ________________
11. Approximately how thick is the inner core?
ANSWER: ________________
ACTIVITY 2  “PLATE MOTION”
1. When two continental plates converge, ___________________ (feature) forms.
2. When two continental plates diverge, _____________________ (feature) forms.
3. When two continental plates transform, ____________________ (feature) forms.
4. When continental crust and oceanic crust converge, ___________________ (feature) forms. How
long (approximately) does it take for volcanoes to form?
APPROXIMATE TIME IT TAKES FOR VOLCANOES TO FORM: ________________
5. When old oceanic crust and old oceanic crust diverge, _____________________ (feature) forms.
6. When old oceanic crust and young oceanic crust converge, ____________________ (feature) forms.
7. Which type of oceanic crust is densest?
a. Old Oceanic Crust
b. Young Oceanic Crust
ACTIVITY 3  “BONUS RESEARCH QUESTION”
1. How does a WAX lava lamp work?
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