Odd bumps on the bases of sedimentary beds

'Sedimentary structures – load casts; interpreting odd bumps on the bases of beds'

The activity is part of a series on sedimentary structures and the ways in which they can be used to interpret past conditions. You can find other related activities by using the search engine or scrolling down in the alphabetical index on our website.

Sorting, naming and putting rocks into the rock cycle

Today's new ELI is "From ‘Rock detective’ to ‘Laying out the rock cycle’: investigate rocks to sort them into groups, add them to the rock cycle and name them"

This activity uses sorting cards to link two Earthlearningideas together - ‘Rock detective’ and the ‘Laying out the rock cycle'.
By doing this pupils can investigate a range of rocks from first principles, identify and name them and then build understanding of them in a rock cycle context. It helps them to name rocks, not just by recognising them but by using first principles of observation and investigation.
A variety of activities about rock types and the rock cycle can be found on our website by using the alphabetical index.

Sea shells and their habitats

Sea shell survival; how are common sea shells adapted to their habitats?

This activity gives an an introduction to the relationship between the features of shells of bivalves and their habitats. Many marine animals are specially adapted to give them the best chance of survival in their habitats. These adaptations are reflected in their shell structure. This ELI may be used as a prelude to determining ancient environments from the fossil remains or from the traces of similar organisms in rocks.
Many more activities related to fossils and past environments can be found on our website in the 'Evolution of Life' category.

Exploring current flows through straits

Today's new ELI is 'Exploring current flows through straits; testing the L. F. Marsili model of Bosphorus currents (1680)'

This Earthlearningidea models the flow of seawater of different densities through straits, e.g. the Bosphorus. It addresses several concepts within Earth sciences (concentration, density, diffusion) by means of modelling typical of a science investigation, with an example taken from the age of the Scientific Revolution.
Other activities about ocean currents, sea water density and famous scientists can be found on our website either by using the search engine or the alphabetical index.