Granite and Chalk - geological postcards

This is a picture postcard puzzle about granite and chalk landscapes. Pupils are asked to study each postcard and decide whether the landscape shown on it has been formed on granite or on chalk. They should then explain the reasons for their decision.

Many more free activities can be found on our website.

'Tagging' water molecules - to explore the water cycle

"'Tagging' water molecules - to explore the water cycle" is our new activity published today. It is a thought experiment to explore the water cycle. Scientists can ‘mark’ genes with different glowing colours to find out how they work. Help your pupils to understand the water cycle by carrying out a thought experiment on what we would see if we could ‘tag’ water molecules to give them bright colours and make them visible. This activity helps pupils to visualise the movement of water through the water cycle.
It is one of many watery activities.

Electrical ground probing

Have you tried the ELI 'Electrical ground probing'? This activity models the principles involved in surveying by electrical methods. Such techniques are frequently used in mineral exploration or in archaeological surveying. Forensic scientists also use the method to investigate disturbed ground in the search for objects buried by criminals.
Lots of similar teaching ideas can be found on our website - all free to download.

Why should I recycle my mobile phone?

The latest ELI, published today, is the last of our Minerals series - 'Be a mineral expert 4 - Recycle your mobile phone'. This is an activity based on an information sheet, which prompts pupils to think about the materials and energy which go into the manufacture and use of a mobile phone, and why they should consider carefully what happens to the phone when its useful life is over.
For other free-to-download related activities, visit our website.

Earthlearningidea news

New link on our 'Useful websites' page to Earth Science Western Australia

And now some results from 'Party time for volcanoes'. The chart below shows the aggregated results of many experiments at different venues with a total of 814 pops.

Have you also tried 'Take a chance on the volcano erupting'?
Visit our website for many more great ideas for teaching Earth science.

Make your own carbon cycle

A popular ELI in November was 'Carbon goes round and round and round; make your own carbon cycle'.

Check the website for more Earth-related teaching ideas.