Geothermal power simulations

Following up on last week's activity, today we have 'Rock power: geothermal power simulations; modelling geothermal power sources – renewable or not?'

This activity uses a density can filled with gravel to model different forms of geothermal power source. Many more activities related to power sources can be found on our website.

In memory of Chris King: Geothermal power from 'hot dry rocks'

With great sadness we inform you that Chris King died on 17th February. He was the originator and inspiration for Earthlearningidea. He will be greatly missed, especially by the Geoscience community across the world.

We shall continue publishing new activities, keeping Earthlearningidea active in his memory:

The new ELI today is 'Deep geothermal power from ‘hot dry rocks’: an option in your area? A discussion of potential for extracting ‘hot dry rocks’ geothermal energy locally'.

This activity considers the ‘hot dry rocks’ geothermal potential in the UK through an experimental commercial project in Cornwall.

Many activities about power supplies can be found in our Topics and Teaching Resources on the website.

Amazing Planet at the ASE virtual conference

Join us on Saturday February 19th for AMAZING PLANET to be presented at the virtual ASE Conference.  Two members of the European Geosciences Union (EGU), will present a quick-fire selection of activities from Earthlearningideas. These are designed to enable teachers to encourage a sense of wonder at Planet Earth among their pupils.

The session will introduce ten processes which take place inside the Earth. These will include 'Quake shake', showing in a few seconds how parts of Mexico City might topple over as the old lake bed upon which it is built liquefies under seismic shaking.

'Magnetic Earth' will demonstrate the Earth’s magnetic field with a Plasticine sphere and a Magnaprobe.

Aspects of seven surface processes will be demonstrated, including 'Rock rattle and roll', an enjoyable, noisy activity reproducing erosion by shaking rock fragments in a plastic bottle.

Various ways of representing Earth processes using your fingertips will also prove to be a fun way of learning principles such as the Rock Cycle.

The session is intended as a rapid introduction to the activities, of which there are now 384 freely available on the website. Each activity consists of one or two illustrated pages describing how to carry it out, with another page or two of the rationale for teachers.

What to do with high-level radioactive nuclear waste?

The new ELI today continues our series of activities about how to reach 'net zero' emissions targets. 'Nuclear waste disposal; investigating geological disposal facilities (GDFs)'.

This activity explores geological disposal facilities (GDFs) as a solution to the problem of what to do with high-level radioactive nuclear waste?

Many other activities in the series can be found here.

Make a fold mountain range in a box!

 

'The Himalayas in 30 seconds! Making a miniature fold mountain range in an empty box'.

 

This activity models how lateral pressure can squeeze rocks into folds and faults, and imitates the way in which fold mountain ranges are formed. You can watch a video of this Earthlearningidea.

Many more activities about fold mountains and deformation of rocks can be found in our Resources.

Limestone springs; the flow of water underground

The new Earthlearningidea today is 'Limestone springs – the wells of Wells; modelling the underground flow of water through limestone passages to springs'.

This activity uses a simple model and specimens of sandstone and limestone to explain groundwater flow though limestone caves and passages to springs.

Many more watery Earthlearningideas can be found here. 

 

What do porosity and permeability mean?

Confused? Is the rock porous or is it permeable or is it both? Try the Earthlearningidea, 'Does my rock hold water and will water flow through it?'

You could also watch the video:

This activity can be used in any science or geography lesson where the ability of rocks to hold water or hydrocarbons is being discussed.

Many more activities about the characteristics of rocks can be found on our website.