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.

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. 

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'.

Make your own dip and strike model - a DIY clinometer

Thinking about doing fieldwork? 'The do-it-yourself dip and strike model (with DIY clinometer); using a model to measure and understand dip, dip direction, strike and apparent dip'.

This ELI involves making and using a model that explains dip, strike and apparent dip, and gives exercises on these measurements.

Many activities related to fieldwork can be found in out Fieldwork category in 'Investigating the Earth'.

Exploring the rock cycle

Following the deposition of sediments last week, we now move on to considering the Rock Cycle  'Laying out the rock cycle: product and process; sorting out the rock cycle products – and then adding the processes'.

In this ELI, students are asked to place a series of rock cycle products in the correct places on a diagram of the rock cycle, then to consider how all these are linked by rock cycle processes.

Many related activities can be found in the Rock Cycle category in Earth as a System.

Erosion, transportation and deposition in a river

Today's ELI is 'Mighty river in a small gutter; sediments on the move'.

This activity investigates the effects of flowing water on loose sediment to see how it is eroded, transported and deposited. A teaching video is available.

Other related activities can be found in our Sedimentary Processes category.

Weathering of rocks

Our ELI for today is 'Weathering- rocks breaking up and breaking down; Matching pictures and descriptions of weathered rocks with the processes of weathering that formed them'.

This activity encourages pupils to study the appearance of weathered rocks and to understand the processes which produce weathering.

Related activities can be found in our Sedimentary processes  in our Earth energy / processes category.