Rocks, such as stalactites, make creative and interesting science projects.
In middle school, geology is one main focus for science classes and projects. There are a lot of projects that can stem from rocks and minerals. You can use these projects to better educate yourself, your classmates, and your parents about the properties, types, and influence of certain rocks and minerals.
Desert Wash
Explore the particle sizes of a desert wash. If you live in a desert climate, collect samples from different areas of the desert and study the components of each sample. Using a microscope, test whether the size of the particles in the desert wash will decrease as you gather samples from further down in the surface. Another test could inquire as to whether the area in which you obtained the samples affects particle size as well.
Stalactite and Stalagmites
Attempt to recreate the environment in which stalactites and stalagmites are formed. Calcite is commonly formed in caves, and is one of the common ingredients that make up these rock formations. To attempt to form stalactites or stalagmites at home, you should use minerals that resemble calcite, such as baking soda, washing soda, and Epsom salt.
Fill six jars with these solutions mixed with water, two of each mineral, and place them on a windowsill. For your conclusion, study which solution forms the largest stalactites and stalagmites. Bring your rock formations into the class to demonstrate your hard work and enforce your conclusions.
Salinity's Effects
Another creative project that you can perform is to test the affects of various levels of salinity on rocks over time. The levels of salinity should represent the salinity of the waters of the world. Submerge different types of rock into water with 0, 3.5, 7 and 20-percent salinity and leave them on a windowsill for three days. A dietary scale and a ruler can then be used to observe the effects on the various rocks. Record this information and create a display that visualizes your project.
Speleothems
Speleology is the study of caves and their contents, specifically speleothems. Speleothems are secondary mineral formations, similar to stalactites and stalagmites. In this project, you will go to your nearest cave system and study the number of speleothems that are present. As you go further into the cave, note whether the size, color, or formation of the speleothems changes. Take pictures of a variety of these formations and include them in your project. To conclude your project, state whether the depth or temperature of the cave will affect the formation of speleothems.
Tags: stalactites stalagmites, your project, desert wash, formation speleothems, levels salinity, rock formations, rocks minerals
