Students relate the theory of plate tectonics to changes in Earth's structure and features. They witness the effects of an earthquake. Hitting the hot spots Takes students to Mount St. Helens, Iceland and warm water vents to witness volcanic activity. Students relate volcanic activity to plate movement. Shows students how rocks are formed and change over time.
Field trips explore igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock sites.
Weathering and erosion Students examine everyday examples of chemical and physical changes caused by wind, water, ice and gravity. They use a stream table to model the effects of water erosion. Students observe a tornado from a traffic helicopter. They learn how weather is created and predicted, and how weather information is communicated. Earth Shows students how to use different kinds of maps to navigate Earth's surface.