Fracking: recipe for the perfect fracking fluid

The new ELI today is 'Recipe for the perfect fracking fluid; make your own fluid to fracture hydraulically (frack) methane-bearing shale'.

This is an activity to examine the hydraulic fracturing method and the purposes of the different constituents of the fracking fluid. Pupils are encouraged to think through the purpose of the constituents of the fluid used for fracking, and the whole fracking concept.
Other activities about oil and gas can be found on our website,

Why is the fossil record incomplete?

'Shell shake – survival of the toughest; why is the fossil record incomplete?'

Many organisms are destroyed by being eaten or by being broken up into tiny fragments by moving water, or by processes of changing the sediments to rock. This activity demonstrates that a slab of apparently well-preserved fossils may not present a true record of all that lived there, so caution is needed in reconstructing the ancient environment in its entirety. A fossil assemblage may contain evidence about the environment in which the organisms lived, and what happened to them after their death.
Many more fossil-related activities can be found on the website.

Geo-literature: create your own geo-poem or story

Today's new Earthlearningidea is 'Geo-literature: poems and stories inspired by all things ‘geo’. Create your own geo-poem or story'

Much of our great literature was and is inspired by the natural world. This activity encourages pupils to write imaginatively about a topic they have studied in Earth science or geography. It creates a cross-curricular link between the sciences and arts. Send us your creations and we will publish them on our website.

Treasure hunt with a difference.

This Earthlearningidea is fun for young children especially if it can be played outside, 'Sensory treasure hunt; using senses to match objects with similar properties'.

This activity has endless potential and can be used in many ways.
Lots more ideas which can be used in the holidays can be found in the 'Children's Fun' section of our website.