Procedures

1. Lay two blocks of clay flat on the tray about 5 cm apart. Push them together using steady, firm pressure. Continue pushing until you notice any changes in the clay.  Record your observations on your data table on line 1.  Draw diagrams of the clay to show what happens to the blocks. Be sure to sketch all parts of the clay block.  For now, leave the name column blank.
3. Reshape the blocks and place them side by side so they are touching.  Slide them sideways past each other in opposite directions. Sketch the blocks and draw arrows to show how they are sliding past each other. Record what happens to the clay and describe how it feels as the blocks are sliding past each other. Record your observations on line 2.
5. Use one clay block and pull on it from opposite ends. Observe the middle of the clay as you are pulling. How is the middle of the clay block changing? What happens as you continue pulling? What if you pull with more force? Record your observations in your notebook.  Draw a diagram of what your block of clay looks like once you stop pulling.

Types of Boundaries

Wrap up

Look back at the diagrams that you created while you simulated the different plate interactions.

Discuss the following with your team

1. What kind of geologic activity do you think results from the different plate interactions?  (Remember, geologic activity could be earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain building, trenches, etc.)  
3. As a team, label the diagrams in your notes with your predictions.  For example, you may think that one or more of the interactions results in earthquakes on the surface.