Weathering Experiment

Try this fun experiment to learn more about the weathering of rocks. 

 

Step 1:  Take the water and moisten the clay a little bit.

 

Step 2:  Divide the clay into two equal pieces and roll it into a ball or form into a square.

 

Step 3:  Wrap each piece of clay in plastic wrap.

 

Step 4:  Place one piece of clay into the freezer and leave the other piece on your table or counter.  Let the clay stay in the freezer overnight.

 

Step 5:  The next day, take the clay out of the freezer and unwrap both pieces. 

 

Do the clay pieces look different?  If so, how?  Hint:  the clay from the freezer should have the some cracks.  Examine the clay with a hand magnifier to get a closer look at the cracks.  Write about your findings in a notebook and take pictures if you want.

 

Then, wrap each clay piece back up and put the one piece back into the freezer and repeat for several days.  Observe the clay pieces each day and see how the cracks change over time.