Bates, E. B. Denis (1990). A Simple class exercise on
plate tectonic motion. Journal of Geological Education, 38, 112-115.
Summary
The article was intended to simplify the concept of plate movements using
an activity that students can relate to and experience. Students are given
pieces of paper. They are to tear one sheet of paper to represent a single
continental mass rifting apart. The torn sheets are then moved apart
horizontally about four centimeters. A second sheet of paper is placed
underneath the gap and lines drawn representing the riges and faults that
would have developed due to the seperation. Next students tear another sheet
of paper but this time moved apart in a vertical manner. This represents the
ocean. Students also draw percieved faults. Thirdly students are to pivot
the two continents at one end of the torn pieces of paper and again guess
the rigges that will be produced. Based on the geometry just demonstrated by
the students, the concept of plate movement is developed. Students are then
asked to discuss how these patterns can be applied to a situation in the
Atlantic ocean.
Reaction
The article is quite cumbersome in my opinion. Although it gives the
students some hands on start at the concept, it does not go far enough to
connect the exploration phase to the concept formation phasem and the
application phase. It is however still a better approach than a lecture
method.
