Slope failure

The new ELI today is 'Failing slopes; modelling how rock cliffs and slopes can collapse
 

This activity encourages pupils to investigate the factors which affect the angle of slope at which materials fail and slip. The idea could be used in a lesson on slope failure itself, or as an application of the physics of friction. Results obtained from an actual investigation are recorded in the activity.
More activities related to slopes and landslides can be found on the website.

Latest Earthlearningidea is 'Danger - quicksands!'

The new ELI this week is 'Danger - quicksands! Why do some rocks give way when it rains hard?' This activity investigates pore water pressure in a sediment and demonstrates how raised pore water pressure can weaken apparently strong rocks/sediments, causing subsidence in buildings or landslides. This ELI could be used to illustrate hazards of a geological nature, in a science or geography lesson.
This is one of many hands-on practical activities in both the Earth Energy and Natural Hazards Earthlearningidea categories.

From Bologna, Italy

Thank you very much for your innovative teaching ideas.
In January, I tried the sediment transport investigation "Mighty river in a small gutter; sediments on the move", using some planks covered in a plastic sheet to set up the "stream table". You only need washed sand, some small pebbles of gravel and a bottle of water. You can see erosion, transportation and deposition very clearly.
I also tried the thought experiment "Flood through a window: what would you see, how would you feel?", looking through the window of the classroom. Some answers were very curious!
The students were 15 years old and enjoyed both activities very much. I shall use them again in the future.
The Earthlearningidea team is very pleased to receive comments and photos such as this. Please do send yours to us.