A model volcano is a classic earth science project.
Earth science is the study of natural materials and conditions found in and around the earth, such as rocks and minerals, solar power, weather and plants. Earth science projects are enjoyable for children because they are hands-on and easy to do. A young student can learn a lot about earth science from projects.
Tornado
Use this earth science project for a child who is new to the world of science projects. First, the child can hypothesize about the different factors that make a tornado. Build a model tornado to test the theory and record results. Glue a deli cup to the middle of a 10-by-12-inch piece of wood. Glue the short side of a 9-by-10-inch vinyl sheet to half of the cup. Glue the rest of the sheet to the wood base in a spiral around the cup. Do not allow the rest of the vinyl to touch the cup. Glue a second vinyl sheet to the cup and around the cup like the first sheet. The two sheets should make a spiral pattern around the cup without touching each other. Fill the cup halfway with water. Place a few blocks of dry ice in the cup. Place a plastic plant saucer with a two-inch hole in the middle over the vinyl sheets. Stick a hand-held fan in the hole and angle the fan upward. Turn on the fan and watch the tornado emerge above the fan.
Solar Cooker
This is a project about solar heating. The student should determine ahead of time if he thinks the box will cook a hot dog enough to eat. Cut a curve into both the sides of a shoe box to make a shape that looks similar to a skateboarding half pipe. Tape a piece of poser board to the open portion of the shoebox matching the curvature of the sides of the box. Cover the entire box in aluminum foil, with the shiny side up. Take the box outdoors on a sunny day. Mark the placement of the brightest reflection from the sun on the foil with markers. Cut two cardboard rectangles and glue them to the sides of the box near the marked spots. Punch a hole in each cardboard rectangle and slide a skewer through the holes to make a small cooking spit. Stick a hot dog on the skewer and place in the sun to cook. Students should record how long it takes to heat the hot dog, how bright the sun has to be to cook it and if it is a viable replacement for indoor cooking.
Trash Bag Degradation
This is a project that explores which type of trash bag is best for the environment. Fill up different kinds of trash bags with compost materials. Make sure to use the same amounts of trash for each bag. Don't use meat, which can attract animals. Bury the bags in a hole one foot deep and five feet wide. Place the bags inside and cover them with dirt. You can use a board placed over the bags to prevent animals from eating the trash. Dig up part of the bag every two or three weeks for two or three months. Record the results of the investigation to determine which bag degrades the fastest.
Volcano
The volcano project is a science project standard that students really enjoy. Use the project to show how different materials create a reaction when used together and how a volcano works by building up pressure. Build a clay volcano around a soda bottle. Fill the bottle with ¼ cup of water, a few drops of dish soap, some red food coloring and ¼ of a cup of vinegar. Wrap one tablespoon of baking soda in a square of toilet paper. Drop the baking soda packet in the volcano to make it erupt.
Tags: science project, baking soda, earth science, earth science project, foil with
