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About This Simulation
Tectonic plates travel two to three centimeters each year, but why? And how? Create convection currents in different materials to understand what causes plate movement and why it is so slow.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the process of convection
- Relate the source of Earth’s internal heat to the movement of plates
- Identify plate tectonics as a surface expression of convection currents in the mantle
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About This Simulation
Lab Techniques
- Convection lab experiment
- Temperature-dependent density of materials
- Convection currents
- Sources of Earth’s heat
- Chemical and physical properties of Earth’s layers
Related Standards
- ESS2.B-H2
- HS-ESS2-3
Learn More About This Simulation
Tectonic plates are always moving beneath you! In this simulation, you will investigate the process of convection, learn what drives the movement of tectonic plates, and perform an experiment with an extremely hot lava sample!
Explore the driving mechanism of plate tectonics
Start by setting up your first lab experiment and inspecting what happens in a water tank when heated from below. Then, move to the interactive theory station and explore the chemical and physical properties of the Earth’s structural layers. Discover why these properties are important for plate tectonics, and how this relates to our experiment.
Model convection currents in the mantle
Convection currents occur throughout nature in water, air, and within the Earth's mantle. In this lab, you will heat different materials, assess the timescales of convection currents, and note how this affects the movement of plates on the surface. Be careful and be sure to wear your protective lab equipment as you will have to handle a scorching hot lava sample!
Find the correct direction of flow
Using the knowledge you have gained from your lab experiments, you will build a futuristic holographic model of Earth to determine the direction of flow of convection currents within the mantle. Do you think you can determine what drives the movement of tectonic plates?
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For Science Programs Providing a Learning Advantage
North Dakota State College of Science
“They did the simulation at home, then completed the in-person lab within 30 minutes, no questions asked, and passed the quiz with flying colors.”
Lecturer in Human Physiology
University of Westminster
"I saw some of the students who clearly didn’t necessarily like sitting there reading a book discover they could turn on Labster and keep up with the rest of the class because it spoke to them.
Modesto City Schools
"Having something that's engaging for the students gives teachers that opportunity to breathe and get excited again. Because they're seeing the kids light up, they're seeing the kids engage with content."
Wenatchee Valley College
"The question always is, ‘Can we demonstrate that the students are meeting course outcomes?’ Check! We can do that.”
San José State University
"We surveyed over 400 students. More than 90% thought Labster was easy to navigate, and that it was fun, but more importantly, most of them felt confident that they could execute the labs in person. And that confidence is a big deal."
FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions.
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A Labster virtual lab is an interactive, multimedia assignment that students access right from their computers. Many Labster virtual labs prepare students for success in college by introducing foundational knowledge using multimedia visualizations that make it easier to understand complex concepts. Other Labster virtual labs prepare learners for careers in STEM labs by giving them realistic practice on lab techniques and procedures.
Labster’s virtual lab simulations are created by scientists and designed to maximize engagement and interactivity. Unlike watching a video or reading a textbook, Labster virtual labs are interactive. To make progress, students must think critically and solve a real-world problem. We believe that learning by doing makes STEM stick.
Yes, Labster is compatible with all major LMS (Learning Management Systems) including Blackboard, Canvas, D2L, Moodle, and many others. Students can access Labster like any other assignment. If your institution does not choose an LMS integration, students will log into Labster’s Course Manager once they have an account created. Your institution will decide which is the best access method.
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Labster supports a wide range of STEM courses at the high school, college, and university level across fields in biology, chemistry, physics, and health sciences. You can identify topics for your courses by searching our Content Catalog.