Plate Tectonics Graham Cracker Lab

In this Plate Tectonics Graham Cracker Lab, students model different plate boundaries with edible ingredients and write a short CER about how the model is representative of the actual plate boundary. Included within the lab handout are pre-lab questions, step-by step easy to follow procedures for each type of boundary interaction, scaffolded claim, evidence, and reasoning writing activities, and a rubric.

Also included are a teacher’s guide and lesson plan, a student reference sheet, and a PowerPoint presentation with information about plate boundaries and photos of the actual lab in action. All you need is are two graham crackers, frosting, one mini rice krispy treat, and few chocolate chips per group.

Fun Hands-On CER!

⭐ PLATE TECTONICS GRAHAM CRACKER LAB INCLUDES:

• Teacher Lesson Plan and Guide with Pictures of Completed Lab: The teacher guide includes standards, tips, pacing, sequencings, materials, and a complete overview of the lab.

• Plate Tectonics Graham Cracker Lab Student Handout: This four-page handout includes pre-lab questions, clear step-by-step instructions, analysis and short CER questions chunked after each model, and a rubric. A PDF version and an editable MS Word version are included.

• Plate Tectonics Alternate Assignment: If you have a student absent or need to dole out an alternate assignment for whatever reasons, this one-page plate tectonic worksheet includes instructions and a rubric for a CER writing assignment.

• Plate Tectonics Lab Overview PowerPoint Presentation: This presentation includes a short embedded video on plate boundaries, explanations of each boundary, pictures of each model that students will create, and helpful tips for your students.

• Plate Tectonic Boundaries Student Reference Sheet: This one-page reference sheet can be used as an anchor chart, notes, or a handy reference for students to use while they complete the lab or answer the lab questions. Includes information and diagrams of each plate boundary modeled in this lab.

• Answer Keys: Includes pictures of what each completed plate boundary model will look like, as well as answers to all questions.

⭐ PLATE TECTONICS GRAHAM CRACKER LAB BOUNDARIES:

• Oceanic-Oceanic Divergent Boundary (Sea-floor Spreading)
• Oceanic-Continental Convergent Boundary (Volcanic Mountains)
• Oceanic-Oceanic Convergent Boundary (Volcanic Island Arc)
• Continental- Continental Convergent Boundary (Continental Mountains)
• Transform Strike-Slip Boundary (Earthquakes)

Low prep and easy to follow – this lab is sure to be a hit in your classroom!

⭐ Materials:

• Graham Crackers
• Frosting
• Rice Krispy Treat (minis)
• Chocolate Chips

⭐ More Great Plate Tectonics Activities

⭐ Purchase on TPT