CUPCAKE CORE SAMPLING SCIENCE MODULE
PURPOSE
Trying to "see" what is beneath the surface of the Earth is one of the jobs of a geologist. Rather than digging up vast tracts of land to expose an oil field or to find some coal bearing strata, core samples can be taken and analyzed to determine the likely composition of the Earth's interior. In this activity students model core sampling techniques to find out what sort of layers are in a cupcake.
MATERIALS
• Cupcake Mix (Betty Crocker Party Swirl works well)
• Frosting
• Foil Baking Cups
• Drawing Paper
• Plastic Knives
• Napkins
• Toothpicks
• Straws (cut into thirds) - 3 per student
METHOD
- Make cupcakes with at least three layers of colored batter.
- Provide each student with a cupcake, napkin, 3 straws, toothpicks and drawing paper.
NOTE: Fresh cupcakes do not work as well as cupcakes that are drier). - Foil baking cups and frosting will prevent the students from seeing the interior of the cupcakes in much the same way that a geologist cannot see the interior of the Earth. If making cupcakes is not an option, purchased cakes with cream filling inside can be substituted.
- Identify what mineral (or other item) the students are trying to find and it's corresponding color in the cupcakes. (In this example, we are mining for phosphate.) Identify other colors.
- Ask the students to fold a piece of drawing paper into four sections and draw three "cupcake" shapes (see sample below). In one of the sections (#2), they draw what they think the inside of the cupcake would look like. Ask the students how they might get more information about the cupcake without peeling the foil or cutting it open with a knife.
- Someone may suggest using the straw to take a core sample. If not, show them how to push the straw into the cupcake and pull out a sample. Have them take three core samples and draw their findings in the appropriate square (#3). Instruct them that they need to remember which sample came from which location of the cupcake for accurate drawings. To remove the sample from the straw, have students blow through the straw. If they are unable to get the sample, you can push the cake out with a toothpick. (The straw may need to be shortened.)
- Finally, the students should cut open the cupcakes with a knife to compare them to the drawings (#4). You can have the students take a minute to walk around the room and look a the other students' results. See if there is another sample similar to their own.
Sample Sheet
1. Name Blue = phosphate
Pink = other minerals
Yellow = dirt | 2. Guess |
3. Core Sample Findings | 4. Cut in 1/2 |
DURATION
Approximately 30 minutes.
