Snack Tectonics
Our planet's surface is shaped by the movement of the Earth's outer layer by the process known as plate tectonics. These outer plates are made of rock and fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. The rock in general is lightweight compared to the denser, fluid layer that lies underneath, which allows it to essentially float on top. This layer in this activity is represented by the frosting. However plates are not all the same, some are thicker, but less dense and others are thinner, yet more dense. The two different crusts, oceanic and continental are represented by fruit roll ups and graham crackers. These materials together are used to demonstrate the interesting things that happen at the edges of plates. This whole activity is a great way for kids to understand the different types of boundaries, divergent, convergent, and transform. Also it ends with a yummy snack!