Monday 22 February 2010

'Landslide through the window'


On 15th February 2010, a huge landslide occurred in Maierato, Calabria, Italy. It seems that the landslide was triggered by heavy rainfall in the region. Two hundred people were evacuated and it caused power failures.
Have you tried Earthlearningidea 'Landslide through the window - what would you see, what would you feel?'
This is one of many 'through the window' Earthlearningideas. They make an excellent start to your lesson or perhaps you can use them for some creative writing.

Monday 15 February 2010

NEW - Changing Coastlines

Try our latest Earthlearningidea- 'Changing coastlines; investigating how coastal erosion, transportation and deposition can change the shape of coastlines'.
Coastlines, with their cliffs, beaches, headlands and bays, are constantly changing shape. It is important to understand the processes because if you prevent erosion in one place this may lead to reduced deposition in another. There is usually a knock-on effect somewhere else when people try to control the shape of a coastline.
This is a very popular activity in the UK. Please let us know how your pupils get on in other countries.
Visit our website for many more ideas to enliven your science or geography lessons.

Monday 8 February 2010

Why do some lavas flow easily and others do not?

Have you tried 'See how they run; an investigation into why some lavas flow further and more quickly than others' The fluid in the three containers has been heated to different temperatures. The results of which containers best describe the eruptions in the two photos? What are the factors affecting the viscosity of lavas? Find out the answers by trying this activity.
There are lots of other Earthlearningideas for your pupils to try. Click on Keywords Index for a comprehensive topic list or on Categories for the groupings of activities.

Monday 1 February 2010

New ELI+ Forensic geoscience

Our new Earthlearningidea is 'Innocent until proven guilty; using forensic geoscience to solve the crime' This activity can be included in any lesson where problem-solving skills are required. It is adaptable to local conditions - local samples of soil, sand or rocks can be used. Also local suspects e.g. the teacher, can be used!
Forensic geoscience uses evidence from geological materials (sediments, minerals, microfossils, soils) at the scene of a crime to support or defend against a prosecution in court.