FLOUR CRATERS SCIENCE MODULE
PURPOSE
To show results of meteor impacts on the Earth’s surface.
MATERIALS
• Shallow tray or baking pan filled with soft flour
• A rake made from a paper clip to smooth out surface
• Assorted small nuts or ball bearings
• Small rulers
• One yard stick
METHOD
This makes a mess!!!!! But it is worth it.
Students drop objects into flour making craters. After each drop (not throw) measure and record crater size.
The students should be able to come up with a lot of different experiments:
- Same nut at different heights (maybe make a graph)
- Different size nuts
- Angle impacts
Bend the paper clip into an L shape, use it to fish out the nuts. Move it just under the surface to fluff and smooth the flour for the next impact.
DISCUSSION
Compare craters with picture of the moon.
For a more permanent record try plaster of Paris for a target.
