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geology Archives - Taylor Made Science

Earth's AtmosphereGeologyWater and Solutions

Cloud in a Glass

As you're studying weather, take a few minutes to make a cloud in a glass to help explain the process of condensation and cloud formation. What you'll need: clear glass or jar, kitchen matches, ice cubes, small plate or pan that will completely cover top of glass or jar (metal works best), boiling or very hot water Procedure: 1. Fill the plate or pan with ice cubes and have it ready to quickly place over…
Cheryl Taylor
February 27, 2017
Earth's History

Roadcuts – Windows to the Past

The next time you're traveling with the kids and need to stop for a break, look for a roadcut with a large safe shoulder to walk around. Call attention to the rock layers visible on the surface of the cut, and ask children for their ideas about what caused the layers. Depending on the age of the child, topics of discussion can include:   the type of rocks and how they formed (most formed as sediments…
Cheryl Taylor
March 7, 2016
PhysicsWaves

Earthquake Waves

The general properties of waves can be investigated through an activity on earthquakes. First, have your child research the three different types of earthquake waves. Encourage them to find the following information about each wave: 1. name of the wave 2. how quickly it travels compared to the other two 3. what part of the Earth does it travel through 4. type of wave, based on motion (compression wave, transverse wave, etc.) 5. does it…
Cheryl Taylor
November 1, 2014
Earth in SpaceGeology

Take the Pluto Survey!

We all remember learning the nine planets of the solar system when we were in school. And just like that, there were only eight! Poor Pluto! In 2006 the IAU (International Astronomical Union) demoted Pluto to nothing more than a "dwarf planet" when another rocky body, similar to Pluto, was discovered beyond Neptune. But, on September 18 Harvard University hosted a debate about the controversial classification of Pluto and it seems quite a case was…
Cheryl Taylor
October 4, 2014
Earth's AtmosphereEnergyGeologyPhysics

How do colors affect temperature absorption?

We've all heard the fashion sayings . . . "never wear white after Labor Day" . . . "pastel colors should be worn at Easter" . . . etc. You know the traditions, but did you know they are actually based on science? The color of the clothing you wear can affect how hot or cold you feel when standing outside during the day. The light reaching us from the Sun is known as "white…
Cheryl Taylor
August 25, 2014
Earth's HistoryGeology

Dinosaur Tracks

Scientists often have to use indirect evidence to infer information about extinct species. Children (and adults!) often find it hard to understand how a footprint can tell a scientist anything about the animal that made it. Use this "mystery solving" activity to help explain how information can be collected from indirect evidence. You will need to do a little advance preparation for this activity. You'll need some play dough or other soft modeling clay and…
Cheryl Taylor
June 20, 2014
ChemistryEarth MaterialsGeologyWater and Solutions

Growing Crystals with Common Chemicals

Crystal growing is a fun activity for kids and it is relevant to several areas of science, such as chemistry, as well as mineral formation in geology. Schools often use commercial chemicals to grow crystals in the classroom, and these chemicals can be difficult, if not impossible, to purchase as an individual. Here are a few household chemicals that can be used to grow crystals at home: Aluminum potassium sulfate (alum) can be purchased in…
Cheryl Taylor
April 14, 2014
Earth's HistoryGeology

Learning about Earth’s Past through Creative Writing

Most kids love to be creative and make up stories. Use that creativity to research Earth's past. Depending on the age of the child, you might want to first introduce them to the Geologic Time Scale. Here's a good website with some basic information from Britannica Kids. For younger children, you might just help them pick a topic from Earth's past, such as "dinosaurs." Next, help your student narrow down a specific time period (or…
Cheryl Taylor
March 30, 2014
Earth MaterialsGeology

Making Rocks Fun!

Okay, I have to admit, rocks sound boring to most people. But here's a way to get kids interested in the topic of rocks and minerals! Kids (and adults) love to find treasure. Purchase a bag of "mining rough" and you have a ready-made treasure hunt for your kids. Mining rough is the left over material generated by the mining process. To a mine that recovers and sells gemstones, it isn't cost effective to spend…
Cheryl Taylor
March 22, 2014