Regolith Formation

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
In this three-part activity, learners use food to determine the effects of wind, sandblasting and water on regolith (dust) formation and deposition on Earth. Then, learners simulate regolith formation on the Moon by meteorite bombardment, an activity best completed outdoors.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Simulation
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • toasted white bread
  • toasted golden wheat bread
  • small pan
  • sand paper, nail, file or edge of ruler
  • ice cube with sand inside
  • tray
  • fist-sized rock

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Processes
      • Weather and Climate
    • Earth Structure
      • Rocks and Minerals
    • Solar System
      • The Moon
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking
  • Nature and Environment
  • Outdoor Activity

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Office of Human Resources and Education, Education Division, NASA; Office of Space Science, Solar System Exploration Division, NASA

Rights:

  • Public domain, NASA, 1997