Plate Tectonics and Divergent Boundaries in Action

Mr. Williamson conducts a lesson on divergent boundaries for middle school students in Napa, Idaho. The lesson involves a demonstration using cardboard to simulate plate movement and the emergence of new ocean material from the mid-ocean ridge. The activity illustrates how identical material appears on both sides of the ridge as plates separate. The lesson concludes with a discussion on the purpose of the activity and the importance of measuring distances from the ridge to observe consistent material properties.

What is the main focus of today's lesson?

• Divergent boundaries

• Transform boundaries

• Convergent boundaries

• Subduction zones

What is used to demonstrate the movement of plates in the lesson?

• Wooden blocks

• Plastic sheets

• Metal plates

• Cardboard sheets

What is the significance of the identical logos on the cardboard sheets?

• They are just for decoration

• They indicate the direction of wind

• They show the symmetry of plate movement

• They represent different continents

What happens to the material as the plates start to separate?

• It evaporates

• It hardens and solidifies

• It disappears

• It melts

Where does the new ocean material come from during the plate separation?

• The ocean trench

• The continental shelf

• The mid-ocean ridge

• The ocean floor

How do the chemistry and structure of rocks compare on either side of the mid-ocean ridge?

• They are completely different

• They are similar but not identical

• They are identical

• They vary randomly

What tool is suggested to measure distances from the mid-ocean ridge?

• A compass

• A scale

• A ruler

• A protractor

What is the expected outcome when measuring distances from the mid-ocean ridge in opposite directions?

• Randomly distributed materials

• No materials at all

• Identical types of materials

• Different types of materials

What is the purpose of the activity demonstrated in the lesson?

• To explain earthquake formation

• To illustrate the creation of new ocean material

• To show how mountains form

• To demonstrate volcanic eruptions

What is the name of the teacher conducting the lesson?

• Mr. Johnson

• Mr. Smith

• Mr. Brown

• Mr. Williamson