Construction of Plate Boundaries using Interactive Physics

Abstract

Understanding plate tectonics can prove to be very difficult for many students who are only using static diagrams. Adding motion to plate tectonic models can help students understand the true workings of plate boundaries. Using the Interactive Physics program my classes were able to create a number of different plate tectonic boundary models. All of the classes had just concluded instruction about plate boundaries and plate tectonics. They also were given a brief introduction to the Interactive Physics program. They had approximately fifty minutes to explore the program and create any type of plate boundary of their choosing. The students were excited to be using the software and enjoyed constructing the models. As the students finished the models they completed a short worksheet with questions about the models they constructed. The models the students were functional and inquisitive. The students also gained knew knowledge about plate tectonics, by viewing the models they created with the program.