Here is what I have to do:
Project: Mantle Convection
Plate tectonics is the geologic study of the movement of Earth's crustal plates. It's an important, natural process that is responsible for earthquakes and volcanoes.
Plate tectonics occur because of a process called mantle convection. In this project, you'll demonstrate your understanding of mantle convection by observing a process of convection and relating it to plate tectonics.
Objectives
* Use a process of convection to explain how Earth's crustal plates move.
Directions
Observe the two lava lamps A and B, below. Lava lamp A is off. The other lamp, B, is on. Carefully document your observations of each lamp.
Note to Students: If you have your own lava lamp at home, conduct your observations with it turned off and label these observations as lava lamp A. Then, turn on your lava lamp and wait a few minutes. Conduct your observations of the lava lamp turned on and label these observations as lava lamp B.
Consider the physical characteristics of the "lava" and think about the underlying processes that are occurring in each lamp.
Next, respond to the following questions:
1. What is happening with the "lava" in lamp A? Explain your response.
2. What is happening with the "lava" in lamp B? Explain your response.
3. Relate your observations of lava lamp B to mantle convection and plate tectonics. What does the heat source of the lava lamp represent in the earth? What does the lava represent in the earth? If the lava lamp had floating pieces of foam at the top, what would they do? What would these foam pieces represent on the earth?
I need a starting point or something please. I am so confused. I don't even know where to begin.
Project: Mantle Convection
Plate tectonics is the geologic study of the movement of Earth's crustal plates. It's an important, natural process that is responsible for earthquakes and volcanoes.
Plate tectonics occur because of a process called mantle convection. In this project, you'll demonstrate your understanding of mantle convection by observing a process of convection and relating it to plate tectonics.
Objectives
* Use a process of convection to explain how Earth's crustal plates move.
Directions
Observe the two lava lamps A and B, below. Lava lamp A is off. The other lamp, B, is on. Carefully document your observations of each lamp.
Note to Students: If you have your own lava lamp at home, conduct your observations with it turned off and label these observations as lava lamp A. Then, turn on your lava lamp and wait a few minutes. Conduct your observations of the lava lamp turned on and label these observations as lava lamp B.
Consider the physical characteristics of the "lava" and think about the underlying processes that are occurring in each lamp.
Next, respond to the following questions:
1. What is happening with the "lava" in lamp A? Explain your response.
2. What is happening with the "lava" in lamp B? Explain your response.
3. Relate your observations of lava lamp B to mantle convection and plate tectonics. What does the heat source of the lava lamp represent in the earth? What does the lava represent in the earth? If the lava lamp had floating pieces of foam at the top, what would they do? What would these foam pieces represent on the earth?
I need a starting point or something please. I am so confused. I don't even know where to begin.