Making Folded Mountains
You will need
 4 different colors of play-dough or similar material (there are directions on-line
if you want to make your own dough)
 Butter knife
Procedure
1. Roll each color of play dough, forming a flattened “pancake” shape about 6 inches
in diameter. Hint: A larger, thinner “pancake” will make this activity easier.
2. Place the four “pancakes” on top of each other.
3. Observe the layers from the side (side view). Illustrate, in color, what you see on
the attached sheet.
4. You will now simulate compression. Place your hands on either end of the play
dough layers and GENTLY push your hands together causing the play dough layers
to fold and buckle. (Think about pushing sand together with your hand on the
beach). Try to make at least one upward fold (anticline) and one downward fold
(syncline).
5. Observe the “folded mountain” from the side. Illustrate, in color, what you see
on the back of this sheet. THINK about what might cause similar compressions
to occur to Earth’s crust.
6. Now, using a butter knife to cut the top off of your folded mountain. This
models surface erosion.
7. Illustrate, what you see when you look at the top of your folded mountain. Next
to the illustration, describe what you see.
8. You may now erode your mountain any way you choose as long as it’s different
from what you’ve already done. Illustrate in color.
9. Respond to the Review and Reflection questions.