The students in our class have been designing experiments to explore the concepts we're learning in our Earth's changing surface science unit.
Grant and Henry led us in an experiment using baking soda and vinegar to simulate a volcano eruption. After performing this experiment we analyzed the similarities between this experiment and what happens during an actual volcanic eruption.
Gabi noticed a rock experiment in her book club book and introduced it to our class. We all closely observed several different types of rocks. We practiced documenting our observations precisely like scientists by weighing, measuring, and noticing size, color and texture. We observed quartzite, slate, pumice, limestone, and sandstone and noticed their similarities and differences.
Ashlyn was inspired by that and wondered if rocks would change in water and grow like gummy bears do in water. We discovered they don't get bigger, but pumice did get heavier. The students noticed different characteristics of wet rocks than dry.
During these rock observations, we started noticing what happens when rocks rub together. We noticed that abrasion creates sediment.
Keith is now working on an experiment in which we're shaking rocks in jars of water to see if that will create sediment.
Just today, the students created a variety of experiments to observe how water, wind, and ice transport materials and build up the earth's surface. They made some interesting observations and connections to things they've seen in the world.
Grant and Henry led us in an experiment using baking soda and vinegar to simulate a volcano eruption. After performing this experiment we analyzed the similarities between this experiment and what happens during an actual volcanic eruption.
Gabi noticed a rock experiment in her book club book and introduced it to our class. We all closely observed several different types of rocks. We practiced documenting our observations precisely like scientists by weighing, measuring, and noticing size, color and texture. We observed quartzite, slate, pumice, limestone, and sandstone and noticed their similarities and differences. 
Ashlyn was inspired by that and wondered if rocks would change in water and grow like gummy bears do in water. We discovered they don't get bigger, but pumice did get heavier. The students noticed different characteristics of wet rocks than dry.
During these rock observations, we started noticing what happens when rocks rub together. We noticed that abrasion creates sediment.
Keith is now working on an experiment in which we're shaking rocks in jars of water to see if that will create sediment.
Just today, the students created a variety of experiments to observe how water, wind, and ice transport materials and build up the earth's surface. They made some interesting observations and connections to things they've seen in the world.
