If your kids are anything like mine and they enjoy learning activities they can do outside, especially if it involves getting a little dirty, they'll love this one!
Why Don't Rivers Run Straight?
Rivers tend to meander rather than run straight. This is due to obstacles and other variables in their paths.
This activity is a simple hands on way to demonstrate why rivers twist and turn.
For this activity you will need:
-a sandbox
-some sticks and rocks
-a gallon or two of water
Put on your play clothes and head to the sandbox and start by adding a small amount of water to the sand so it's a little damp.
Build a sand mountain and add some obstacles (sticks and rocks) to the sides of the mountain and the area around the mountain.
-a sandbox
-some sticks and rocks
-a gallon or two of water
Put on your play clothes and head to the sandbox and start by adding a small amount of water to the sand so it's a little damp.
Build a sand mountain and add some obstacles (sticks and rocks) to the sides of the mountain and the area around the mountain.
Next slowly begin to pour water over the top of the mountain.
Continue pouring water and observe the way the water twists around obstacles.
As the water flows it eventually runs into an obstacle or other variable in the earth. The obstacle or other variable, directs the water in a different direction, resulting in a meandering river.
Extend The Learning:
To learn more about why rivers twist and turn, check out this really great video from Minute Earth: Why Do Rivers Curve?
If you enjoyed this post, check out some of my other fun geology activities:
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Great blog post thank you will share
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading and sharing :-)
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