Mapping the Seafloor

Objective: To classify ocean bottom features and to use the theory of plate tectonics to explain
the origin of ocean basins.
Procedure: Students will build a shoebox model of the ocean floor. Each model will contain
the following features:
Continental shelf
Mid-ocean ridge (divergent zone)
Trench (convergent zone)
Hot spot (volcano, island, underwater seamount, etc.)
Deep ocean basin
Extra items are encouraged but not required!
Draw a 1 cm grid system on the top of your box and number it Battleship style
Poke holes at the intersections of the grid
Build a model of the seafloor
Make sure to keep it secret from other people in your class!
Materials: Any arts and crafts will do. Smashed paper, cups, plates, duct tape, modeling clay,
plastic shapes, the list is endless. I will have SOME hot glue guns available and a limited
supply of articles to build you model from. Be creative!
When you are done with your box, tape the lid shut. We don't want any peeking! Trade with
someone who has not seen the inside. Using a wooden skewer or straightened paper clip,
gently plunge your measuring stick into each marked hole until you feel resistance. Measure
what you have left of your stick, record in an Excel spreadsheet and repeat until you have
finished your box.
Data: Record your data using Excel. Make a 3D map to reveal the topography of your box!
Analysis: Using your created map, answer the following questions:

Describe your sea floor map. What topographical features can you make out?
Ive made out everything accept the volcano. I think it may be neaxt to the mimdocean ridge.
What is the difference between a trench and a mid-ocean ridge? Explain geologically
what causes each.
A trench is an area in which the plates converge sink, while mid-ocean trenches
are converging plates that push upwards into mountain ranges.
How does this model reflect SONAR technology?
We couldnt see the bottom of the box, but the SONAR gave us a rough
estimate of what the box looks like. Thats how real SONAR works
What flaws does this model possess?
the holes are too small to measure
How could you change your model to make it better next time?
Nothing, Im fabulous*
How could you change this model to make it better next time?
The holes could be bigger, and the box couldve been a different material to

make measuring less agonizing.

The Hawaiian Islands are a classic example of hot spot geology. We live fairly close to
another famous hot spot. Using Google Earth or Maps, see if you can't find the wide
swath this hot spot has taken as it has arced from north to south to north again across
the continent over time. Where does this place reside now? In what direction, based on
past geographical information, do you think it will travel over the next few milliom years?
What is a continental shelf?
a large landmass extending from a continent
How closely do you think your map will match the actual box? Why?
not very well because it seems to be made of paper and I think it got squished

ONLY when you have answered all of the above questions, open your box. Answer a few
more questions....
1.
How closely did your map actually match your box?
It was pretty close, but i missed the 2nd trench and the volcano
2.
In what ways is this project an analogy to SONAR?
Y
3.
Are you surprised by your results? Why or why not?
No, its pretty straightforward
4.
How could we be more accurate in mapping this particular model in the future?
having actual 1-inch intervals and requiring actual work to be done -.And finally...What have you learned about the sea floor through this activity?
Ive learned that people dont understand what a seafloor looks like, and that SONAR is
tedious.
When you are all done with the above questions, take a picture of the inside of your box and
synthesize it with your map and a description of this project, making sure to include any insights
you've had along the way. This would be a great addition to your digital portfolio (hint hint)!