“Plate Detective” was introduced in November of 2013. The tool was immediately embraced by teachers based on the relevance to the emerging standards including 1) pattern recognition and 2) the use of data to generate models. To date, 1000 units have been produced.
Plate Detective allows students to recreate the 50 year saga that led to the Theory of Plate Tectonics. Students systematically explore real data sets to assemble a model of current plate boundaries. The tool replaces a color sheet that is commonly used in the classroom.
Numbers
The tool became available in November 2013. Since then, approximately 500 sets have been distributed.
Distribution Map
Year-by-year
The tool became available in November 2013. Since then, approximately 500 sets have been distributed.
Team
Dr. Simanek and Mr. James designed the tool based using content derived from the Pangea Mat & Cutter