5-E Model Lesson

Title
Purpose/Rationale
SOLs

Materials and
Resources

Safety Issues

Oreo Plate Tectonics

To teach students through a hands-on, practical method how
tectonic plates interact
1) ES.2 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the
nature of science and scientific reasoning and logic. Key
concepts include
a. Science explains and predicts the interactions and
dynamics of complex Earth systems;
b. Evidence is required to evaluate hypotheses and
explanations;
c. Observation and logic are essential for reaching a
conclusion; and
d. Evidence is evaluated for scientific theories.
2) ES.7 The student will investigate and understand geologic
processes including plate tectonics. Key concepts include
a. Geologic processes and their resulting features; and
b. Tectonic processes.
Oreo cookies
Wax paper
Document camera
Computer and projector
Notebook paper
Students textbooks
Potential allergens in the Oreo cookies

Procedures for Teaching (numbered with time frame)

1. Bell-Ringer: How does mantle convection work?
Engage
2. Explaining that Oreos are going to be used during the
lesson, and that they will be eaten at the completion of the
activity
3.
Students will participate in creating their own plate tectonics
Explore
through cracking the crackers in Oreo cookies. I will ask the
students how to demonstrate each type of boundary, and
show their responses through the projected document
camera.
Explain (include key 4. Students, after completing the Oreo activity, will answer two
vocabulary/concepts)
questions in the textbook on plate tectonics
5. Key Concepts and Vocabulary:
a. Plate tectonics
b. Mantle Convection
c. Subduction
d. Oceanic and Continental Plates
e. Mantle

Elaborate
Evaluate
Formative

Summative
Activity Sheet
(includes safety, data
recording,
open-ended questions)

f. Crust
6. Finish the plate tectonics notes

Bell-ringer responses
How students thought they could build each type of plate
boundary with the Oreo cookies
Students answered two questions from the textbook
Quiz at the end of the unit
None