Modeling in Earth Science

Fellow Colleagues,

Using models in science instruction can greatly enhance an instructional lesson.  Modeling allows  teachers to use different modalities; visual, kinesthetic and tactile to convey or further develop the learning of a concept.  

Structural geology, specifically faulting was the focus of the lesson conducted with my small group of students this past week. Two models were used: a Milky Way candy bar and a 3D paper fault model.

Milky Way bar showing compression forces

Milky Way bar showing tension forces

The lesson opened with a guiding question, "How do rocks deform?" This was met with a little difficulty. The students had an issue in understanding the word "deform." Once that was explained students entered responses in their observation logs.  Each student was given a Milky Way candy bar.   They were asked to stretch the candy bar and expose the caramel and nougat.  (Stretching the candy bar illustrated the tension forces rocks undergo during faulting).  Students were asked to write what happened to the outer shell, caramel and nougat in their logs. Short discussion followed. Next, they were asked to push the candy bar back together. (Pushing back together represented compression forces). Again written observation were made followed by a short discussion. Following the lesson the students were then asked again,  "How do rocks deform?" Answers form the students demonstrated appropriate responses: change in temperature, cracking, stretching.


The second model was a 3D paper fault model designed to show the major types of faults; normal, thrust and strike-slip. Students demonstrated the movement of the faults using the models. Visual representations  of the faults were provided as a resource if students needed. After modeling students demonstrated their understanding by drawing each fault in their log. Each drawing was labeled with directional arrows showing the fault movements. As an assessment students were shown 10 images of different faults. Together they scored 8/10 images correct. As an extension to further their understanding of the content knowledge the students together on a interactive
website designed a structure that could withstand a "strong" earthquake.
http://dsc.discovery.com/guides/planetearth/earthquake/interactive/interactive.html

3D Paper Fault Model

Milky Way and 3D Paper Model.