Erosion Science Fair Projects

Definition of Erosion: The process by which the surface of the Earth is worn away by the actions of water, glaciers, winds, waves,etc.

There are a few ways the elements of weather create erosion. In this first demonstration we will be recreating the effect of Erosion caused by waves.

What you will need: 15 Gallon fish tank, Small piece of plywood, dirt and water.

Start by having an adult cut you a piece of plywood to the size of the inside of the tank ( about 11" x 11"), vertically so you can divide the tank in half.

Next set up your fish tank, bucket of dirt and small bucket of water where you plan to do your project.. If you don't have these supplies, then it is time to go shopping for one.

Take the plywood that you had cut and place it in the tank holding upright in the middle of the tank dividing the tank in half.

Fill one side of the tank with dirt about 2/3  the way up, packing the dirt tight so it will stay in place when you remove the plywood. Fill the other side of the tank a little less then half way with water. Now use your hand and create the effect of waves by pushing the water towards the dirt. Continue creating the wave effect for a couple minute as the dirt starts to wash away the edge and eventually falls.

In this demonstration we will be showing the effects of running water.

Same materials: with a pitcher to pore the water.

This time you will not seperate the water and dirt. You instead will put new dry dirt into the tank creating a slope by putting the dirt in on an angle from the bottom corner to the opposite top corner.

With a pitcher of water, slowly poor the water on the top of the hill. As the water runs down the slope it will begin to wash away the dirt, often creating a small creek

Contributing Author: Robby Morton has other kids science project ideas on his site.

You will find more earth science fair projects at Super Science Fair Projects, plus many ideas for your science projects.