ConcepTest: Determining Numbers of Plates
This material was originally created for
Starting Point:Introductory Geology
and is replicated here as part of the SERC Pedagogic Service.
and is replicated here as part of the SERC Pedagogic Service.
Question:
Examine the map and answer the question that follows. X, Y, and Z represent continental lithosphere, the blank areas represent oceanic lithosphere.
How many plates are present?
a. 3
b. 4
c. 5
d. 6
a. 3
b. 4
c. 5
d. 6
Student Responses:
The correct response is C.
Percentage of students choosing this answer. (% Before Discussion/% After Discussion):
a. 3 (26%/0%)
b. 4 (19%/18%)
c. 5 (44%/75%)
d. 6 (11%/7%)
in a small (< 60 students) environmental geology class.
If you would like to help acquire more Before and After statistics for this example, please contact the authors (see link at top of page).