Erosion Experiment



If you’d like to see how erosion works, try this experiment.

You will need:

  • A large rock
  • 2-3 colors of acrylic paint
  • Bag of potting soil or dirt
  • Watering can

Stand the rock in its tallest position. Paint the rock in three layers, one in each color. Let the rock dry.

In your yard, stand the rock in a place where no one will knock it down. Pour the bag of dirt on the rock, being careful not to knock it over. Cover the rock as completely as you can. Water the dirt (not too much!) and pat the dirt down.

Measure the height and width of the dirt pile. Draw a sketch of what your ‘mountain’ looks like.

Every week, measure the height and width. Don’t forget to draw the sketch.

Make note of when each new color of rock appears.

After 12 – 15 weeks, figure out how much of your mountain has eroded away.

Make sure to pick up the rock when you’re done with the experiment!

The Earth is always changing. Given the right circumstances and enough time, the change can be amazing