Students will encounter patterns in seafloor data, generate and refine investigable questions about seafloor spreading using a paper model context, and produce a focused research question with a testable hypothesis to guide their week-long investigation.

Students will design a systematic investigation plan for their seafloor spreading question by selecting an appropriate method, identifying variables, planning measurements with their paper model and meter stick, reviewing scientific background sources, and revising their protocol through structured peer critique before collecting data.

Students will systematically collect and document measurement data from their seafloor spreading paper models, following their approved methodology plans. They will record conditions, scale decisions, and anomalies in their research notebooks, conduct mid-collection quality checks, and prepare organized raw data tables that will serve as the evidence base for analysis in the next phase.

Students will transform their collected seafloor spreading measurements into meaningful evidence by creating graphs, identifying patterns and anomalies, debating interpretations, and connecting findings directly back to their research questions and hypotheses.

Students will synthesize their seafloor spreading investigation by writing evidence-based conclusions, explicitly acknowledging limitations, generating new research questions, and presenting their full investigation—from question to evidence to implications—to an authentic audience using their models, notebooks, and team report.