This document outlines an experiment to model and observe the three types of plate boundaries using modeling clay and sandpaper: 1) Convergent boundaries are modeled by pushing two pieces of sandpaper together, squeezing the clay between them and forming mountains. 2) Divergent boundaries are created by pulling sandpaper apart, stretching the clay in between and forming mid-ocean ridges. 3) Transform boundaries are demonstrated by sliding sandpaper pieces in opposite directions, shearing the clay and forming transform faults.

2. OBJECTIVES:
a. Explain the processes that occur
along three types of plate
boundaries;
b. Determine the consequences
brought about by each boundary;
and
c. Draw the different types of
boundaries based on observations.

3. MATERIALS:
•Modeling clay
•Sand paper

5. A. CONVERGING PLATE
(Continental and Oceanic Plate)
Procedure:
• On a piece of paper,
flatten one color of the
modeling clay with the
palm of your hand.
• Cut into two halves the
sand paper and place at
the center the flattened
modeling clay.

6. • Slowly push the
two sand papers
towards each
other. Observe
what happens to
the clay.

7. B. DIVERGING PLATE
(Continental and Oceanic Plate)
Procedure: Going Separate
Ways!
• On a piece of paper,
flatten one color of the
modeling clay with the
palm of your hand.
• Place the flattened
modeling clay at the
center of the two sand
papers.

8. • Slowly push the
two sand papers
away from each
other. Observe
what happens to
the clay
especially at the
center of it.
Observe this part!

9. Procedure: Slide and Shake!
• On a piece of paper, flatten
one color of the modeling
clay. Choose other color
and make small three (3)
small strands.
• Place the flattened
modeling clay at the center
of the two sand papers.
C. TRANSFORM-FAULT PLATE
(Continental and Oceanic Plate)

10. • Put on top of the flattened clay the three
small strands.

11. • Slide both sand
papers on opposite
directions (up and
down direction).
• Observe what
happens to the
small strands of
modeling clay.

12. Let’s Do This!
1. Draw the different types of plate
boundaries according to your
observations. Do it in ¼ Manila paper.
2. What is/are formed in each of the
following?
 Convergent Plate
 Divergent Plate
 Transform-Fault Plate