Earth science is the study of how the Earth works.
Earth science -- the study of the Earth -- involves disciplines such as meteorology, geology and oceanography. The composition of the various elements of the planet Earth are one of the main concerns of Earth science, a popular unit in elementary and middle school science classes. A variety of science projects are available for sixth-graders that allow them to explore and learn about the way the Earth works.
Volcano Model
Volcanoes are a source of fascination for children, and sixth-graders will love making their own erupting volcano model to demonstrate how layers of the Earth are created. This can be done easily by shaping modeling clay or dough around an empty plastic soda bottle or film canister. To reduce the mess, attach the volcano base to a cardboard box or a pie plate. If you're using dough, the model can be painted to resemble a real volcano once it dries. Add red food coloring to white vinegar to give it the appearance of lava before pouring it into the plastic crater. The volcano model will erupt with the addition of baking soda to the vinegar. Have children experiment with different amounts of vinegar and baking soda.
Earth Model
Another engaging project for sixth-graders is a model of the Earth. Have students research the characteristics of the different layers of the Earth before cutting a large Styrofoam ball in half. The Styrofoam ball represents the Earth and, being divided in half, will show the different layers, such as the crust and mantle. Students can then map out the layers of the Earth on the flat side of the Styrofoam ball as accurately as possible and paint each layer a different color. A black permanent marker can be used to label each layer.
Fossils
Students will enjoy studying the formation of fossils, which are evidence of previous life that has been preserved in areas of the Earth's surface. Have your sixth-graders make a modern-day example of a fossil that forms in mud. Items that can be used include leaves, seashells and snail shells. Mix some plaster with a small amount of water so that the mixture is relatively thick. Spread the mixture onto a sheet of cardboard or into the bottom of a shoe box so it is approximately an inch thick. Coat the items being used in petroleum jelly and press it down gently into the plaster. Allow the plaster to dry and remove the items to find fossils.
Fresh vs. Salt Water
The temperature at which water typically freezes is 0 degrees Celcius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit. However, according to The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, saltwater, such as ocean water, freezes at lower temperatures than freshwater. Sixth-graders can demonstrate this by filling two plastic cups with equal amounts of water and adding four spoonfuls of salt to one. The cup with the saltwater should be labeled appropriately. They then should place both cups in the freezer and monitor them once every hour for four hours before allowing them to sit overnight. A final observation should be made in the morning. Have students take notes regarding the differences between the cups; while the freshwater will freeze solid, the saltwater will not.
Tags: layers Earth, Styrofoam ball, baking soda, different layers, each layer, Earth science
