From clay balls to the structure of the Earth

'From clay balls to the structure of the Earth'
In this ELI, a series of questions is given to provoke discussion in groups of pupils that will develop their understanding of the structure of the Earth, how some geophysical methods are used, and their thinking skills as well.

This consolidates understanding of many physical processes and characteristics including, density, inertia, magnetism, electromagnetism, sound (ultrasound and seismic) and radiation (X-raysand ionising). The best evidence we have for the core’s position and character is seismic waves, but density measurements, inertia and magnetism each contribute useful information too.
This is one of many thought-provoking activities which can be downloaded free from our website.

Jelly and cream - with a difference!

Our new ELI this week involves making and eating jellies and cream; all in the interests of science, of course. 'Volcanoes and radial intrusions' involves inserting cream radial intrusions into jelly 'volcanoes' until they erupt. This activity simulates the intrusion of magma into a volcano demonstrating the 'plumbing' system of volcanoes very well.
It is one of many volcanic activities published on our website. Some are listed at the bottom right of our home page under 'Activities related to the new ELI'.

Water - a matter of taste or a taste of matter?

Today, we have published an extension to last week's new ELI - 'Water - a matter of taste or a taste of matter?'
This is about the hot springs in the City of Bath, UK. Please send us information about springs and the geology in your area and we will publish it.
Have you tried the other 'watery' ELIs, all listed in our Teaching strategies.

Water - comparing rain water with bottled water

Our new Earthlearningidea, published today, is 'Water - a matter of taste or a taste of matter? Is all water the same?' Pupils are asked to investigate how water can dissolve solids and to taste the result. They compare the chemical composition of rain water with bottled mineral water and discuss the differences. This is one of many ELI 'Watery activities' published in our Teaching strategies.

Cracking apart - physical weathering

Simulate the weathering of rocks in a desert environment by trying the ELI 'Cracking apart'. Ask pupils to discuss situations where materials expand in the heat and contract in the cold out of doors. Examples might include steel bridges, or concrete roads; in both cases, expansion joints have to be included to allow for the movement. Explain that rocks also expand and contract and that this can lead to their break up. This is a form of physical weathering. Small chips of granite and other rocks are heated in a Bunsen flame and then rapidly cooled in water. This is repeated to investigate the rate at which they ‘weather’ by breaking apart.
This is one of many Earthlearningideas which encourage pupils to take part in an activity and then relate their findings to the world around them.

More building stones - metamorphic rocks today

Today we complete our series of the ELI building stones resource by publishing 'Building stones 4 - Metamorphic rocks'
This is a small group activity using photographs of metamorphic rocks used for ornamental purposes. This ELI follows ‘Building Stones 1’ and is intended for pupils to deepen their understanding of metamorphic rocks. A table showing how the series of Earthlearningidea building stone activities link together is given on the final page.
You can find the second, igneous rocks, and third, sedimentary rocks, of this series in the category Earth materials on our website.

Watery world of underground chemistry

Have you tried the ELI 'The watery world of underground chemistry'?  The pH of water is used as the basis of a discussion of how water flows through, and interacts with, the rocks and soil during the underground part of the water cycle, so integrating aspects of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and lithosphere.
This is one of many 'watery' Earthlearningideas which are listed in Teaching strategies on our website.