Layer Cake Geology

In this activity a special layered cake is used to demonstrate folding and faulting of sedimentary layers. As a result of this activity students will understand the mechanisms by which folds and faults occur within the earth's crust, recognize the difference in behavior between brittle and ductile rocks, and be able to predict the structure likely to result from application of various forces to layered rocks. Students will also interpret "core samples" to determine rock structures beneath the land surface and learn the meaning of fracture as applied to rock layers. Educational levels: Intermediate elementary, Middle school