1. Either dig a soil profile pit (20" minimum depth) or find an exposed soil profile where the soil is undisturbed. Take photograph of yourself next to the profile. Make mounted soil profile to scale. Take soil samples from each horizon and put in ziplock bags for analysis. Soil moisture and pH can be tested at school. Incorporate all the information into the display. (Get detailed information on how to make mounted soil profile and test soil moisture and pH from teacher.)
  2. Measure and graph the time and the height of sea level. Graph the tides. You can do this using the Internet to get real-time data. Relate the data to the phases of the moon. Incorporate the information into a 2-3 page report.
  3. Make a collection and a display of local rocks and/or minerals. Use actual rocks and minerals or take photographs of them yourself (not from internet).Supply information about their properties and origin. Incorporate the information into a 2-3 page report or large poster.
  4. Photograph and make a display of various types of physical and chemical weathering. Remember to show ice wedging, root or plant wedging and solution. Include a visit to a cemetery, examine tombstones and record your observations about how each is weathered and take photos (not from internet). Make sure you incorporate date, time and location of every photograph taken. Incorporate the information into your display (powerpoint, poster or video).
  5. Photograph and make a display of local geological features. Explain their formation in the display. Make sure you record the date, time and location where every photograph was taken. Incorporate the information into your display (powerpoint, poster or video).
  6. Make a video or a power point computer presentation on the basics of mineral or rock identification. You can use the outline from the mineral identification lab as a guide. Do not use internet photos of rocks and minerals. Take pictures of classroom or other rocks and minerals to enhance your presentation.
  7. Photograph and make a display that relates cloud types to weather conditions. Look for patterns and useful observations. Make sure you record the date, time and location where every photograph was taken. You photos must be your own, not from the internet. Include the information in your display.
  8. Prepare a display to show one specific local pollution problem. Your display could include photographs, newspaper reports, and samples of pollution. Be sure to suggest ways to deal with this problem.
  9. Construct a solar energy collector. Demonstrate how much energy you can collect or use the energy for some useful purpose, such as heating water or baking cookies. You must videotape a live demonstration and submit a written report on your design.
  10. Formulate and justify your own opinion about a controversial current issue, such as the safety of nuclear power, or methods of waste disposal. Be sure to look at both sides of the issue. You need not agree with arguments on the other side, but you should consider their merit. Incorporate the pros and cons in your report.
  11. Measure air pollution around town by coating one inch squares cut from plastic milk bottles with petroleum jelly and leaving them at various locations to collect particles. Count pollution particles to obtain data. Summarize and interpret your data in a report.
  12. Report on the water quality of a major stream like the Housatonic River. Detail how and why it has changed. What steps are now being taken to preserve and benefit the river? Summarize the information in a report.
  13. Make a detailed map of and photograph a portion of a stream that flows near your home or by the school grounds. Graph the changing velocity of a stream over a length of at least 50 yards. Include the map, photographs and graph in either a report or display. (Get detailed information on how to measure stream velocity from teacher.)
  14. Report on radon danger and measurements in homes in this area.
  15. Write a song about any aspect of geology and put it to music. It must be 2 – 3 pages, incorporate geology facts, and you (or someone else) must perform it for the class.