Shaping the Planets
Overview of Activities
A variety of forces have given the planets the features we see on their surfaces today. In the Shaping the Planets suite of activities, children create their own miniature versions of those forces!
What are the processes that shape the planets?
There are four basic processes that shape the planets in our solar system.
Volcanism
Eruption of molten rock onto the surface of a planet
Tectonism
Eruption of molten rock onto the surface of a planet
Erosion
Wearing away of a planet's surface
Impact Cratering
Breakup of a planet's surface when a meteoroid hits
Activities Overview
Make a Volcano:
Make repeated colorful “volcanic eruptions” using food coloring, vinegar, and baking soda and determine a volcano's history of eruptions based on the layering of different flows.
Crater Creations:
Model the formation of an impact crater by dropping balls into a tray with layers of different colored powders and examine the features.
Flubber Flows:
Predict and model the properties of glaciers, view images of advancing glaciers, and create your own Flubber flow.
Carving Channels:
Create channel features in sand and diatomaceous earth with flowing water.
