MAGNIFICENT METEOR EXCAVATION
In this fun and easy excavation activity for kids, we’re going to demonstrate and investigate a meteor burning up by making a Magnificent Meteor Excavation.
Materials:
- Empty two liter soda bottle
- Scissors
- Baking soda
- Citric acid
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Water
- Small items to excavate. Little plastic aliens or other space themed items work great.
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Instructions:
- Carefully use the scissors to remove the label and cut the top off of the two liter bottle.
- Fill the two liter bottle nearly full with water.
- Mix one cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of citric acid in the mixing bowl.
- Slowly add a teaspoon of water to the dry ingredients and mix quickly. Be aware the mixture will start to fizz.
- Quickly use your hands to form balls of the mixture around the excavation items. Press firmly to compact the material. If the mixture crumbles and does not easily form a ball, slowly add another teaspoon of water to the mixture.
- Set the "meteors" aside to dry for a few minutes.
- Drop the Magnificent Meteor Excavations into the water filled bottle.
- Observe the fragments as it fizzes, bubbles, and comes apart.
- The water represents the atmosphere and the excavation represents the meteor burning up in the atmosphere.
- Recover and enjoy the fun item hidden in the Magnificent Meteor Excavation.
I hope you enjoyed this super quick tutorial and had fun creating your own Magnificent Meteor Excavation to investigate and explore. These excavations are very easy to make and a lot of fun!
Pro tip: Use this activity to create some excitement around discussions or lessons about acids and bases, chemical reactions, kitchen science experiments, outer space, and more!
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Happy Excavating!
