Ideas abound for earth science fair projects.
Doing a science fair project yields many benefits for the student beyond the educational value. Students gain experience in logical thinking, organizing data, making accurate measurements and unbiased observations. Often, the most difficult part for students doing a science fair project is coming up with an idea for a project. In the fair category of earth science, a student can come up with plenty of ideas just by thinking about the physical world around him.
The Venturi Effect
Stand in an alley between two tall buildings on a very windy day. Then stand in front of the buildings. Notice that the wind is much stronger in the alley. This is called the Venturi effect. An earth science project idea would be to make a scale model to demonstrate this effect of air speed increasing as it is squeezed through a gap.
Wind Erosion
Locate an area in your neighborhood where some sand has piled up, such as against a curb or fence. Using a fan and different types of soil (light sand, gravel, loam soil), devise an earth science fair project that shows which types of soil are most susceptible to wind erosion.
The Effect of Salt on Water's Freezing Temperature
Take note during a snow or ice weather event that local municipalities spread salt on roadways to melt ice on the road's surface. Salt lowers the freezing temperature of water, which is normally 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a refrigerator's freezer, a thermometer and a salt water mixture, see how cold you can get the water before it freezes.
Rocks and Minerals
Walk through your community, and collect as many different specimens of rocks as you can that are natural to your area (not from landscaped properties, where rocks and stones could be imported). Identify as many as you can using a mineral and rock reference book. Make a chart that describes the differences, such as color, weight, size, specific gravity, texture (smooth, rough), hardness and other characteristics.
The Effect of Sunlight on Materials
Examine upholstered furniture in your home or in that of your friends that is positioned near a sunny window. Compare the appearance of the fabric between sections that face the sun and those that don't. Test the effect the sun has on fading various materials by gathering two samples of each type of material and placing one in a dark place in your home and the other in a sunny window. Make daily observations for a month. Types of material can be clothing, newspaper, plastic cup, cash register receipts from a grocery store, colored construction paper or anything you can imagine.
Erosion by Friction
Find a set of wooden steps in a high-traffic location, such as a local store, library or apartment complex. Carefully look at each step for abrasion, where friction from people's shoes has caused an "erosion" effect in the wood. Use a micrometer to measure the depth of the wear.
Evaporation
Investigate the process of evaporation by thoroughly soaking four hand towels in water, then hanging one inside a bathroom where baths and steamy showers are taken daily, one inside the living room or bedroom of your home, one outside in the shade, and one outside in the sun. Monitor the evaporation process of each by checking them periodically and making notes on your observations. Use a psychrometer to measure the relative humidity at each of those locations.
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