Modeling Earth Processes: Constructive Forces

Use models to explore constructive Earth processes, such as convergent plate boundaries, volcanoes, and river deposition in the classroom. In this series of 3 investigations, students discover mechanisms that cause changes in Earth's features. They observe different landscapes and think about the forces that may have caused them, model the formation of mountains at convergent plate boundaries, explore how volcanos affect the surface of Earth, and collect data on the formation of river deltas.

Curriculum Connection
While designed as a stand-alone earth science course, this series of activities could be incorporated into a high school physics or biology course.

Time Requirement
Teacher prep, 60 minutes. Completing the activities, approximately 1 week (180 minutes).

Digital Resources
Includes 1-year access to digital resources that support 3-dimensional instruction for NGSS. Digital resources may include digital teacher manual and student guide, pre-lab activities and setup videos, simulations, and post-lab analysis and assessments.

Performance Expectation(s)
HS-ESS2-1. Develop a model to illustrate how Earth's internal and surface processes operate at different spatial and temporal scales to form continental and ocean-floor features.

Crosscutting Concepts
Stability and Change

Disciplinary Core Ideas
ESS2.A: Earth Materials and Systems
ESS2.B: Plate Tectonics and Large-Scale System Interactions

Science and Engineering Practices
Developing and Using Models

Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills
Students should be familiar with Earth's structure, have a basic understanding of the configuration of landforms, and have a basic understanding of plate tectonics.