Week 10: Plate Tectonics/Layers of the Earth

 1. What did you do in lab today?

In lab we used a flame to create three different types of rocks. We were able to make sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. We learned that sedimentary rocks are when the pressure and color are changed. This process does not need a lot of heat or to be melted. The igneous rock is when the rock is fully melted and then fully cooled. The metamorphic rock happens when the color is fully changed through the change of heat and pressure. We also learned about the layers if the Earth. The core is the middle of the earth, crust is the outside, and mantle is in between the two.

2. What was the big question? 

How are different rocks formed, what are the layers of the Earth, and how do plates move?

3. What did you learn in Thursday's discussion?

In Thursday's lecture, I learned that there are two different types of plates. These are continental and oceanic. The oceanic plates are very thin and the continental plates are very thick. When an oceanic plate hits a continental plate, trenches are formed. When continental plates hit one another, this forms mountains. I learned that the ring of fire is along the Pacific. The ring of fire has lots of volcanic activity. We also learned about the rock cycle and how there are multiple options for where a rock goes in certain situations. Extrusive is when it exits earth and cools fast. When this happens, small crystals are formed. Intrusive is when it is inside earth and insulated by the earth. This forms big crystals. When a mechanical/physical event happens, the rock is not actually altered. Rocks can only be changed through a chemical event. 

Pressbook Chapter

1. What did you learn?

I learned that plates are in the lithosphere and plate tectonics are what cause the Earth and it's formations to move. Plate tectonics are the reason for where each continent and land mass is today.

2. What was most helpful?

The most helpful thing is the diagrams that explain each concept, especially when it comes to plate boundaries. Seeing examples of each plate boundary helps me to really visualize what happens when they come together or go apart. 

3. What do you need more information on?

I would like more information on the formation of volcanoes. I know it talks about how they are formed, but a visual would help me to see it better.

What questions, concerns, and/or comments do you have?

Could you go over the rock cycle again? I am still a little confused on how that all works.