Layers of Earth
In this activity, students model subduction and mountain formation with layers of colored paper, then discuss ways we might find evidence of such movement on Earth.

You will need:
Plenty of colored construction paper, all the same size
Rubber bands

Procedure
1. Discuss the materials that make up layers in the Earth's crust (soils, sand, types of rock, manmade materials).
2. Each group of students should assemble two identical stacks of colored paper. The stacks should use 3 to 5 different colors, each grouped together.
3. Ask: "What holds these layers together?" Discuss the force of gravity.
4. Groups add rubber bands to their stacks of paper to simulate gravity.
5. Each group slides their stacks of paper toward each other across a table until they meet. At this point, they will see one of two things happen: a subduction or a mountain. Kids LOVE the word "subduction"! (We had a nice talk about word parts as we compared it with "abduction".)
6. Brainstorm ideas for where on Earth we could witness these layers as evidence of movement (canyons, cut away rock, dig into the crust, etc.). They will undoubtedly give a host of wild suggestions! This leads nicely into the lesson on core sampling.