Science Project Ideas: Erosion

Participants will demonstrate the mechanics of each type of erosion by selecting from a pre-determined list of materials including wood planks, furring strips, nails, plastic milk cartons, soil, plastic cups, water and straws. It is strongly recommended that either a video camera be set up to record the project ,or at the least, digital photos are taken at each step to give a visual reference for later discussion and reference.

Using the planks, participants will form a 45-degree angle on which to place a 1/2 cup sample of soil. Using straws to simulate wind force on the soil, participants can observe how the air displaces the soil. Students gather the soil into a container and repeat the procedure to see how far the soil is displaced using various amounts of forced air pressure. Participants then lay the plank flat and repeat the procedure, noting the differences between the two angles.

To effect water erosion, participants start with 12-ounce plastic cups and pour water over soil samples placed on a 45-degree angle surface and then on a flat surface, describing in their own words what happens for each angle and then comparing the two angles.

Using a water hose or rubber tubing from a chemistry lab faucet, participants then direct running water at the soil using various speeds, including directly streaming the water on the soil and then allowing the water to contact the plank before it reaches the soil. Then they record their observations as in the previous step.

To culminate the project, participants organize their digital photographs into an ordered collage showing the varying types of erosion or using the video to demonstrate in live action what has happened.

Variations include constructing levees of sand or packed soil and showing how erosion affects these or how different types of soil erode at different rates.