Geology Science Projects
Geology science projects focus on the earth and how it functions. They may include a concentration on such topics as rocks, minerals, earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, and fossils. These project ideas are appropriate for different grade levels and can be modified to address the needs of your students and your curriculum.
Erosion of Rocks
One of the many concerns of scientists is the erosion of the earth and how its changes impact life. Most younger students assume that rocks, because of their natural hard structure, do not erode. Science projects that demonstrate erosion will support their understanding of the facts. The basic idea is to place rocks in different climate conditions and allow students to observe them over a predetermined period of time. Rocks can be frozen in plastic containers filled with water in the freezer, placed in sunny locations, immersed in water, or buried in the soil. Students should regularly check the rocks in each of these conditions and record their findings related to the erosion for each rock. It would be helpful as well for students to know the types of rocks they are monitoring in order to develop ideas about what factors cause some rocks to erode more than others.
Volcano
Volcanoes can be made that are simple or very complex, depending on the amount of time allotted the project in and out of the classroom. Volcano structures can be fashioned from papier-mache, clay, or soil. Students can either create their own volcanoes or attempt to construct models of well-known volcanoes throughout the globe. In either case, the project requires a purpose for investigation, such as whether or not the shape of the structure affects the flow of lava. Lava for science experiments requires a mixture of baking soda, liquid dish sap, food coloring, and a small container that can be inserted into the top of the structure, such as an empty plastic film container. All of the ingredients are placed in the container, and then vinegar should be added to make the lava erupt. The flow of lava from different shaped volcanoes can be recorded and then compared.
Earthquakes
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) indicates that there are a number of science-related earthquake projects teachers and students can conduct in the classroom. These may include projects that focus on earthquake prediction, with students developing their own methods of earthquake prediction and testing their effectiveness. Students may also research and report on earthquake myths in different parts of the world, where earthquake hazards are the greatest, what actions people believe will aid them in surviving an earthquake, or where the most active earthquakes exist and why. For students in higher grade levels, projects may include building a plate tectonic model or creating a seismograph to measure earthquake waves.
Tags: earthquake prediction, flow lava, grade levels, projects that, soil Students
