Contextualization

The movements of tectonic plates are a process of great relevance in the formation of our planet. They are responsible for the creation of mountains, volcanoes, earthquakes, and the separation of continents over millions of years. All of this happens due to the existence of several solid plates covering the Earth's surface that move slowly over a denser and more viscous layer called the asthenosphere.

Tectonic plates are large blocks that make up the lithosphere, moving due to the circulation of magma in the asthenosphere, in a process known as plate tectonics. This movement can occur in three ways: they can move away from each other (divergence), come together (convergence), or slide laterally (transform). Each of these movements generates different geological phenomena, such as the formation of volcanoes, earthquakes, mountains, and oceanic trenches.

The movements of tectonic plates have a direct impact on human life. Earthquakes, for example, originate from the release of energy accumulated during the movement of the plates. Furthermore, the study of plate tectonics helps us better understand phenomena such as the formation of mountain chains, the occurrence of earthquakes, and the appearance of new areas of volcanic activity.

To deepen your knowledge on the subject, I recommend reading the book 'The Planet Earth and its Transformations' by Moacir Duarte. Additionally, the BBC Brazil website has a geography section that explains in a detailed and playful way about plate tectonics. The videos from the YouTube channel 'General Geology' are also a great source of information, with one of them explaining clearly and in detail about the processes of formation and movement of tectonic plates.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: Simulating Tectonic Plate Movements

Project Objective

The objective of this activity is to allow students to better understand the movements of tectonic plates and how they influence the formation of the Earth's relief and phenomena such as earthquakes and tsunamis. Students will have the opportunity to build models that simulate the movement of tectonic plates, observing the results of these movements.

Detailed Project Description

Students will divide into groups of 3 to 5 people. Each group will be responsible for building a model that represents the three types of tectonic plate movements: divergence, convergence, and transform.

The project should be completed within a month, and each student should dedicate five to ten hours to its completion.

Required Materials

• Styrofoam or cardboard plates
• Modeling clay or clay
• Paint and brush
• Barbecue sticks
• Colored paper
• Glue
• Scissors

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution

1. Each group should prepare three styrofoam or cardboard bases that will represent the Earth's surface.
2. The next step is to model the tectonic plates using modeling clay or clay. Remember to represent the varied shapes and sizes of the plates.
3. After modeling the plates, students should paint them with different colors for easy identification.
4. The group will then position the modeled plates on the styrofoam or cardboard bases according to each type of tectonic movement.
5. Using barbecue sticks, students should simulate the movements of the tectonic plates.
6. The group should observe and discuss the results and effects of each movement. It is important to take notes of all observations for the preparation of the final report.
7. Finally, the group should create a poster using colored paper to illustrate the tectonic movements and their consequences.

Connection of Deliverables with Suggested Activities

At the end of the project, groups should present their models and posters, explaining how tectonic plate movements work and what their observations were during the simulation.

Additionally, each group should present a written report with the following topics:

1. Introduction: The group should contextualize the theme, explaining the importance and relevance of tectonic movements and the project's objective. This section should also contain a description of the activities carried out.
2. Development: The group should detail the theory studied about tectonic movements, explain the activity performed, the methodology used, and the results obtained during the simulation.
3. Conclusion: The group should summarize the main points, explaining what they learned about tectonic movements, the conclusions about the activity performed, and how this contributed to the understanding of the topic.
4. Bibliography: The group should cite all sources of knowledge used, such as books, websites, videos, etc.

This written report will be crucial to assess the students' understanding of the topic, as well as their research and writing skills, in addition to their ability to work in a group.