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Build a Simple Erosion Model science experiment : Fizzics Education

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Build a Simple Erosion Model

Build a Simple Erosion Model

Follow FizzicsEd 150 Science Experiments:

You will need:

  • 1 pile of sand, soil or clay
  • Sticks, leaves and twigs
  • 1 Watering can

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Build a simple erosion model science experiment - materials needed
1 Build a simple erosion model science experiment - shaping the hills

Build mounds of dirt forming as many valleys, creeks and spurs as you can.

Place the sticks upright in the soil where you want your ‘trees’ to be.

2 Build a simple erosion model science experiment - planting the trees

Pile leaves and twigs where you would expect them to be on your ‘hillside’.

3 Build a simple erosion model science experiment - modelling the rain event

Gently pour water over the entire site. Which areas lost more soil, why?

4 Build a simple erosion model science experiment - soil with different texture

What could you do to fix the problems on the site? What if the soil was a different texture?

5 A image of a stylised volcano

Get the Unit of Work on Geology here!

  • The Earth’s layers, the rock cycle, volcanoes, earthquakes & more!

From soil science to mineral testing, these hands-on experiments your students will discover the importance of natural resources and the role of plate tectonics in shaping our world.

Includes cross-curricular teaching ideas, student quizzes, a sample marking rubric, scope & sequences & more

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6 A student holding a paint roller with toilet paper flying off it due to a leaf blower.
7 Teacher showing how to do an experiment outside to a group of kids.

Online courses for teachers & parents

– Help students learn how science really works

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Why Does This Happen?

The top layer of soil contains a large amount of available nutrients for plants to use. These nutrients include inorganic minerals to those nutrients provided by rotting vegetation (humus). This layer of soil can be heavily eroded by the wind, rain and human impacts.

If this layer is lost, so is the available nutrients for plants to grow. In some parts of the world, top-soil erosion has become a major concern.

Variables to test

More on variables

  • Try using different types of soil. Do you lose topsoil as fast?
  • Try experimenting with different ground covers (moss, woodchips, mulch, compost, leaf litter).
  • If you slow the water running down the slope, does it reduce the erosion?

A man with a glove above a liquid nitrogen vapour cloud

Learn more!

From the rock cycle to volcano formation, we’ve got your geology unit covered!
Get in touch with FizzicsEd to find out how we can work with your class.

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