Bringing Plate Tectonics to Life with Merge Cube and Merge EDU

As science teachers, we are constantly seeking innovative ways to bring abstract concepts to life. Augmented Reality (AR) is reshaping education by transforming textbook diagrams into immersive, interactive experiences.

Bringing Earth Science into the 21st Century

Imagine being able to let your students hold the Earth in their hands—rotating it, zooming in on details, and exploring the hidden layers that make up our planet. Merge EDU, paired with the tangible Merge Cube, makes this vision a reality. This powerful combination bridges the gap between theoretical concepts and hands-on experiences, allowing students to see and interact with Earth concepts in a way that static images never could.

Plates, are a burning thing...

The floating plates on the Earth’s Mantle can be very large. This module shows an awesome visualization of the Earth broken down by the plates that make up the Crust. Tap on one to isolate it, and see if you can name them all!

Merge Explorer

A New Perspective on Tectonic Plates

Understanding tectonic plates can be challenging when confined to flat diagrams or static models. AR technology with Merge EDU changes the game by offering a dynamic, interactive view of how these plates shift over time. With Merge EDU and the Merge Cube, students can:

• Visualize Earth’s Interior: Explore the planet’s layers—from the crust to the core—in a highly interactive environment.
• Experience Plate Dynamics: Observe the movement and interaction of tectonic plates, gaining a deeper understanding of processes such as subduction.
• Connect with Real-World Phenomena: Witness simulations of natural events like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, linking theoretical knowledge to the natural events we observe on Earth.

Follow the steps below to get started using Merge EDU to learn about tectonic plates:

1. Sign up for the Merge EDU free trial
2. Print a Merge Paper Cube for each of your students
3. Download the Merge Explorer app
4. Provide the activity plan to your students

This immersive approach not only makes learning more engaging but also helps students build a mental model of Earth’s complex systems, fostering both curiosity and deeper understanding.

Terraforming Earth

Welcome to Terraforming Earth! In this card we’ll look at different aspects of the “anatomy” of the Earth, and how some processes create things like volcanoes and earthquakes! We’ll take you on a trip from the Crust to the Core and back out again. Hang on!

Merge Explorer

Why Merge EDU?

Traditional teaching tools often fall short in conveying the dynamic nature of geological processes. Augmented reality with Merge EDU invites students to step into the role of a scientist, exploring and questioning as they interact with 3D models that mirror the real world. This hands-on exploration encourages critical thinking, as students can manipulate virtual objects, observe changes from multiple angles, and relate these observations to real-world phenomena.

Embracing Innovation in Your Classroom

Incorporating Merge EDU and the Merge Cube into your curriculum doesn’t require a huge overhaul—it simply provides supplemental resources to help students connect better with the material. These tools offer a fresh perspective that can complement traditional teaching methods, providing a multidimensional view of Earth’s processes. As you explore Merge EDU as a class, you may find that it helps guide students naturally into deeper discussions, sparks curiosity, and ignites a passion for discovery among your students.