Introduction

Scope & Sequence

Course Outlines

Assessment

Resources

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Main Topics & Concepts

The causes and effects of mantle convection as they relate to plate tectonics.
The roles of gravity, density, and other forces or properties in influencing plate motion.

Standards

SFUSD Performance Standard 17.4 - "...Students should understand that convective processes affecting the crust produces convergent and divergent plate boundaries..."
National Standard D3c - ???

Science Probe Text

SP I 12.3
SP II 13.3
Science Probe I, Chapter 12, section 12.2 covers both the theory of plate tectonics and the evidence for its validity. Science Probe II Chapter 13, section 13.3 contains a profile of one of the scientists involved in the formulation of plate tectonic theory, Robert Dietz.

Activity	Access	Description
Science Probe:

Activities & Lessons

Activity	Access	Description
Thermal Convection and Viscosity of a Fluid Larry Braile		A teacher's guide for illustrating thermal convection and exploring viscosity in the classroom. Also available as a PDF file.
Convection Currents Lab Jen Fong (e-mail for handout)		In this easy lab, students will be able to make a model of the movement of magma in the mantle. Understanding convection currents will help explain why the plates actually move. Before this lab, students may be able to tell you that the plates move, but they won't be able to explain how. This lab uses simple materials including a (reusable!) transparent plastic sweater box (or larger), water and food coloring to demonstrate the movement of magma in the mantle. This lab is critical to their understanding of what causes the plates to move, and it may also be used to demonstrate convection currents in other media.
Measuring Density ???		The study of geology lends itself easily to the study of basic scientific principles in an introductory science course. Students determine the density of regular objects (such as wood or metal blocks) and irregular objects (such as a variety of rocks), while they note the rocks' properties. This activity can be used to introduce types of rocks to students.
(Colorful) Convection Currents Lab		An easily-set-up demonstration that can be done by students or teachers that uses hot water and two colors of food coloring to visually show how convection currents work.
Heat on the Move		A project suggestion that reinforces the principles underlying convection by using examples from the solid earth, atmosphere, and hydrosphere.

Resources

Resources	Access	Description
This Dynamic Earth USGS		An online publication of the USGS. An introduction to the story of plate tectonics. An excellent resource for teachers and students. Also available in paper form from the USGS for $6.00.
Convection in the Earth's Mantle Greg Houseman Monash University, Melbourne, Australia		A cross-sectional animation of the earth's mantle showing how rock flows as a result of heating and cooling.
Convection Currents Tongariro National Park, New Zealand		A diagrammatic animation showing how the direction of convection currents carries continents together or apart.