Exploring Weathering and Erosion Through a Skittles Experiment

Miss Waller Largen conducts a live experiment to demonstrate weathering and erosion using Skittles. The experiment involves dropping water on Skittles to observe color changes, simulating the effects of weathering and erosion. Different types of Skittles, including sour ones, are used to compare results. Observations are recorded visually and in writing. The experiment concludes with a discussion on the implications for Earth's geological processes.

What materials are needed for the weathering and erosion lab?

• Colored pencils, water, and paper

• Markers, sand, and a tray

• Skittles, pipette, and ruler

• Crayons, rocks, and a measuring cup

What do the drops of water represent in the experiment?

• Snow

• Sunlight

• Rain

• Wind

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What should you do after squeezing ten drops of water onto the Skittle?

• Add more Skittles

• Change the color of the Skittle

• Record the results in visual and written format

• Eat the Skittle

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

How does the color of the Skittle change after 20 drops of water?

• It becomes darker

• It remains the same

• It becomes lighter with more shading underneath

• It disappears completely

What happens to the Skittle after 50 drops of water?

• It becomes completely white

• It changes shape

• It remains colorful

• It melts completely

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

What was the main difference observed between regular and sour Skittles?

• Sour Skittles were harder to weather and erode

• Regular Skittles were harder to weather and erode

• Regular Skittles had more color

• Sour Skittles melted faster

What does the color of the Skittle represent in the lab activity?

• Plants

• Minerals, rock fragments, and sediments

• Soil

• Water

When did mechanical weathering occur during the lab activity?

• When the Skittle was eaten

• When the Skittle was placed on the plate

• When the water hit the Skittle

• When the Skittle was left in the sun

When did chemical weathering occur during the lab activity?

• When the Skittle was left in the sun

• When the Skittle sat in the water and lost its color

• When the Skittle was eaten

• When the Skittle was placed on the plate

What did the paper plate represent in the lab activity?

• The sky

• The surface of the Earth

• A river

• A mountain