Urban fieldwork - the stories told by building stones

The new ELI today is 'Urban fieldwork – the stories from materials, colours, lines and shapes; find out the stories told by materials used in building and for decoration'

In this activity. pictures focussed on colours, lines and shapes are used  to begin to tell the stories of the stones used in urban areas. This urban fieldwork helps to show that, wherever stones are found or used, the features within them can be used to tell the stories of how they formed, and sometimes, how they were later deformed.
Many activities related to buildings stones and to field work can be found on our website.

Investigating soil erosion

'Why does soil get washed away? Investigating why some farmers lose their soil through erosion whilst others do not'.

Soil erosion is a normal part of the natural rock cycle, but it can become a major problem in many rural areas where people depend on the land for their livelihood. This activity provides the opportunity to investigate some of the factors involved in limiting soil erosion. Video clip.
Your pupils can extend the activity by doing some soil painting too.
Many more soil activities can be found on our website by using the search engine or alphabetical index.

Measuring climate change

New ELI today: 'What could we measure to find out if climate change is happening here? What climate change indicators could be measured in our own backyard or school grounds?'

This activity involves a class discussion on the likely local impact of climate change.
More activities related to climate change can be found on our website either by using the search engine or the alphabetical index.

Working out past environments

'What was it like to be there – in the rocky world? Bringing the formation of solid rock to life – by imagining yourself there when it formed'

This activity asks pupils questions relating to all the senses, to try to bring past environments of the formation of rocks to life.
Many more activities about past environments can be found on the website.

Using slinkies to show how earthquakes produce body and surface waves

The new ELI today is 'The slinky seismic waves demo; using slinkies to show how earthquakes produce P-, S- and surface waves'.

In this activity, two slinky springs are used to show how one earthquake produces P-, S- and surface waves. It can be difficult to understand how one sudden movement along a fault plane at the underground focus of an earthquake can cause three different sorts of earthquake waves with different properties.
Many more activities about earthquakes can be found on our website.

Earthlearningidea bauble quiz

Have you tried 'Earthlearningidea bauble quiz; fun for all the family - and your class'

This is an exercise to consolidate learning about the Earth through comparisons with a festive bauble.
We hope all our readers enjoy the festivities!

How can you tell which rock is which?

The new ELI today is 'Rock grain cut out; how can you tell which grains come from which rock?

This cutting out and pasting activity is designed to encourage pupils to think carefully about the characteristics of rock grains and how they fit together, in the three major rock groups.
Lots more activities about all rock types can be found on our website.