Download Mantle Motion Activity TPT

Mantle Motion
Introduction:
The part of the Earth’s mantle that is liquid is also called the
asthenosphere. This molten rock can act like a liquid or a solid depending on what type of
pressure it encounters. When gradual pressure is applied the mantle flows like honey. When
sharp fast pressure happens it acts like a solid block of concrete.
Materials: cornstarch, water, spoon, and container
Investigation
A. Try to stick your finger slowly into
the “mantle”.
Observations
B. Try to stick your finger quickly into
the “mantle”.
C. Try to stir the “mantle” quickly.
D. Swipe your finger through the
falling “mantle”.
E. Try to roll the mantle into a ball.
Questions:
1. Give two examples of how the “mantle” behaved like a liquid.
2. Give two examples of how the “mantle” behaved like a solid.
Mantle Motion
Key
Introduction:
The part of the Earth’s mantle that is liquid is also called the
asthenosphere. This molten rock can act like a liquid or a solid depending on what type of
pressure it encounters. When gradual pressure is applied the mantle flows like honey. When
sharp fast pressure happens it acts like a solid block of concrete.
Materials: cornstarch, water, spoon, and container
Investigation
A. Try to stick your finger slowly into the
“mantle”.
Observations
Students should describe that it is easy
to do
B. Try to stick your finger quickly into
the “mantle”.
Students should describe that it is
harder to do
C. Try to stir the “mantle” quickly.
Students should describe that it is hard
to do and some might break the spoon
D. Swipe your finger through the
falling “mantle”.
Students should describe that it cuts
off the flow
E. Try to roll the mantle into a ball.
Students should describe that it can be
rolled but “melts” when they stop rolling
Questions:
1. Give two examples of how the “mantle” behaved like a liquid.
Possible answers: It takes the shape of the container, it flows, it does not
have a defined shape, items can be passed through them.
2. Give two examples of how the “mantle” behaved like a solid.
Possible answers: It can be very hard if you hit it quickly or try to move
through it quickly, it can be formed into a shape.