Spicy Sediments
Grade Level:
K
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Summary:
Students core through layers of clay, and map it.
Materials:
clay or play-doh in several colors
a container in which to put the layers
plastic straws
single edged razor blades
large piece of paper
course spices
colored pencils
standard white paper
Make a series of different colored layers. Within some of the layers, mix small spices such as course ground pepper or dried parsley to simulate fossils found in different types of rocks. Have some layers not cover the entire container. Fold or indent as needed to represent faults or other conditions you would like to simulate.
Divide the class in half. Divide the two groups into five smaller groups each. Give each group a plastic straw with a large diameter and a single edge razor. Each group should also have color pencils and paper. Each small group will take a core sample of the clay layers with the straw. By cutting away the straw with the razor, they can then examine and represent on paper what they have found. Each of the halves of the class can then arrange the drawings and correlate the layers to give an example of a cross section of the "earth".
Source:
Katherine Lee, St. Pius X School, Aurora, Colorado; The Educator’s Reference Desk
