Studying rock formations is a topic of Earth science.
Earth scientists study such natural processes and phenomena as volcanoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, energy and mineral resources, human activity on earth, oceanography and geology. A student can conduct an Earth science project in one of these areas and explore the types of processes or activities that occur on our Earth.
Soil Liquefaction
Soil liquefaction occurs when soil changes from a liquid state to a solid state due to water saturation. This is an important condition as it can apply to building and construction. If soil becomes unstable, it cannot hold the weight of the buildings on top of it. This science project investigates the type of soil that can withstand the most water and can be conducted with different soil types, such as sand, clay and loam. A brick is then placed on top of each soil type to determine how much water it takes before the brick sinks. Set the different types of soil in large containers then place a brick on each soil type and add 100 milliliters of water to the soil. Continue to add 100 milliliters of water until the brick sinks. Remember to take plenty of pictures and discuss which type of soil held the brick the longest.
Plate Tectonic Model
Build a model of the Earth to explore the features of plate tectonics, such as sea-floor spreading, magnetic stripes, transform and thrust faulting, subduction zones and volcanoes. The model should include the outer 180 miles of the Earth and its crust. The materials needed include a shoe box, paper, glue, colored pens, markers or paints. The model will allow the user to manipulate the shoe box to act as the sea floor and visibly watch the sea floor move into the trench of the ocean floor. In addition, it will illustrate sea floor creation at the ridges of the ocean floor, as well as earthquake fault lines. For additional detailed directions on constructing the model, refer to the U.S. Geological Survey website.
Plants and Oil Spills
Investigate the effects of the plant Elodea on oil spills. Determine if Elodea would be an effective and natural way to help save the environment. All you need is an Elodea plant and, gasoline, engine oil and corn oil. You will need to add oil to the surface of water containing Elodea plants. Create four different cylinders, each with a plant and water. Add the different oils (same amounts) to three of the bowls. Leave one bowl without oil as a control. Let the plants sit for one week. Measure the level of oil in each cylinder. In addition, note the size of the Elodea plant and the amount of water remaining. Determine if Elodea was effective in removing oil from the water as well as which oil Elodea removed the greatest amount.
Minerals
The Earth contains a multitude of rocks and minerals in its surface. An interesting Earth science project is to collect a different variety of rocks and minerals and identify the types of rocks collected. There are mineral test kits for students with the types of tools needed to both test and identify rocks and minerals. These kits contain streak plates for color tests, glass plates for hardness testing, dropper bottles for acid tests, magnets and magnifiers. Remember to collect rocks and minerals from different locations, for instance, at a park, beach or pond. In addition, take pictures for your project of the rocks and the materials and methods used to determine their identities.
Tags: rocks minerals, science project, brick sinks, Determine Elodea, each soil
