Monday, 21 September 2026

What are tectonic plates?

Today we are investigating tectonic plates. What are they?  "Chocolate Plates; simulating the properties of a lithospheric plate".


This ELI gives a simulation of the mechanical properties of a lithospheric plate using chocolate bars. It is always a very popular activity with students!

Many related plate tectonic activities can be found in our Plate tectonics category.

Monday, 14 September 2026

Fieldwork demonstrations to help understanding

We are continuing with our fieldwork theme. Have you tried using "Fieldwork: interactive re-creation; activities using simple transportable apparatus to simulate features in the field"?


This ELI gives a series of interactive demonstrations in the field to simulate geological features which the students can see in front of them. It aids understanding of the processes involved.

Many activities associated with fieldwork can be found in our Fieldwork category. 

Monday, 7 September 2026

Planning a field trip to investigate an ancient river system

Our new ELI today involves planning some careful fieldwork using, as an example, the Burbage Valley in the Peak District, UK - 'Burbage Valley Part 1 - An ancient river system; using field measurements to determine the origins of a sandstone sequence'.


This ELI is an exercise in planning for a field visit, deciding what measurements to take and raising awareness of possible errors.

Related activities can be found in 'Fieldwork' and in 'Sedimentary structures'.