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Tectonics investigator: magnetic stripes [ESL]

Learning objects Tectonics investigator: magnetic stripes [ESL]

TLF ID L9468

Investigate tectonic plate behaviour. Simulate the movement of tectonic plates over millions of years. Investigate how the changing magnetic polarity of the Earth has helped geologists form theories about tectonic plate movements. This learning object is the second in a series of three objects.

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Educational details

Key learning objectives
  • Students investigate the formation of magnetic stripes at divergent plate boundaries.
  • Students interpret the role of magnetic stripes in support of tectonic plate theory.
Educational value
  • Illustrates and explains magnetic stripes at divergent boundaries as evidence of plate movement.
  • Allows students to control plate movement to demonstrate the formation of magnetic stripes.
  • Tests student understanding and interpretation through multiple-choice questions.
  • Provides structured feedback to student input.
  • Features modified language for English as a Second Language users.
  • Includes a glossary of terms used in the activity.
Year level

8; 9; 10

TopicsBiotechnology; Evaluation; Instrumentation (Technology); Nanotechnology; Observations (Data); Plate movement; Research and development; Paradigms; Scientists; Space technology; Theories
Learning area
  • science
Strand
  • Science/Earth and space sciences
  • Science/Science as a human endeavour
  • Science/Science understanding
    Student activity
    • Interactives;
    • Analysis;
    • Modelling

    Other details

    Contributors
    • Educational validator
    • Name: Denis Goodrum
    • Organisation: Australian National University
    • Address: Canberra ACT 2600 Australia
    • URL: http://www.anu.edu.au
    • Script writer
    • Publisher
    • Date of contribution: 28 Jan 2014
    • Organisation: Education Services Australia
    • Address: Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia
    • URL: http://www.esa.edu.au
    • Subject matter expert
    • Name: Graham Coghill
    • Address: Marcus Beach QLD 4573 Australia
    • Technical implementer
    • Technical implementer
    Access profile
    • Colour independence
    • Device independence
    • Hearing independence
    • Generic
    Learning resource type
    • Interactive Resource
    Browsers
    • Microsoft Internet Explorer - minimum version: 8.0 (MS-Windows) - maximum version: 9.0 (MS-Windows)
    • Firefox - minimum version: (MS-Windows)
    • Safari - minimum version: 5.1 (MacOS)
    Operating systems
    • MacOS - minimum version: 10.6
    • MS-Windows - minimum version: XP - maximum version: 7
    Platform requirements
    • Due to the use of rich media content, this learning object is suitable for a connection speed of 256 kbit/s or faster.
    Rights
    • © Education Services Australia Ltd, 2013, except where indicated under Acknowledgements.

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