Earth Science

Sample Earth Science Projects

and Activities

Qtr Unit Topic Projects Description

2 Paper Models

-Volcanoes

-Faults

-Landforms (Ocean Trench, Earth)

In these projects, students

create paper models of the

different kinds of faults,

stratovolcanoes, and other

landforms. These models are

from the USGS website.

3 Weather and Climate -How to Build a Barometer

-How to Build an Anemometer

In these projects, students build

(and use) two weather

instruments. Students will

compare their instruments with

actual weather forecasts and

make associations with general

weather conditions.

2 Earthquakes -How to Build a Seismograph

This project requires adult help,

as students need to nail pieces

of wood together. The students

follow an engineering process

to create an effective model of

a seismograph.

2 Geology

-Cupcake Geology

-Layers of Cake Geology

-Clay Layers

These projects are three

variations of the same theme.

Students use straw to collect

core samples and predict the

interior organization of layers

of cake or clay.

2 Oceanography

-Mapping the Ocean Floor

-A Watered-Down Topographic

Map

Students create topographic

maps and learn about sonar

technology.

3 Atmosphere -Layers of the Atmosphere Foldable

Students create a foldable that

describes each layer of the

atmosphere.

“Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me

and I'll understand.”