Tectonic Engine Mechanics

An advanced 12th-grade physics-oriented exploration of plate tectonics, focusing on the thermodynamic engines, gravitational forces, and rheological properties that drive lithospheric movement. Students will move from heat budgets to vector calculations of plate velocity.

Mantle Thermodynamics

Students analyze the Earth's internal heat sources, distinguishing between primordial heat and radiogenic heat, and examine how thermal gradients establish convection cells within the asthenosphere.

Drivers of Motion

This lesson differentiates the gravitational forces of ridge push and slab pull, evaluating current research that suggests slab pull is the dominant mechanism while calculating potential energy conversion at subduction zones.

Mantle Rheology Lab

Students conduct experiments to understand the rheology of the mantle, exploring how solid rock can flow over geologic time scales using concepts of viscosity and non-Newtonian fluids.

Plumes and Vectors

Learners investigate intraplate volcanism caused by mantle plumes and track hotspot tracks to calculate plate velocity vectors and track tectonic history.

The Tectonic Engine Project

In this culminating lesson, students synthesize their understanding of heat, gravity, and rheology to create and defend a detailed model of the tectonic engine.