Have real FUN with real SCIENCE with this Halloween Earth Science Activity!
This weathering activity uses the spooky appeal of old cemeteries to teach physical and chemical weathering. Students read about real ‘haunted’ tombstones (with scientific explanations!), analyze weathering data through graphing, practice CER writing, and solve a real-world engineering problem. Perfect for middle school Earth science with a seasonal twist!
This engaging Halloween science activity has two parts:
- Part One: Students READ about all the ways that physical and chemical weathering affect gravestones. And, they’ll learn about some spooky misunderstandings that weathered gravestones have caused! Students answer reading comprehension questions at the end of the passage.
- Part Two: Students GRAPH the readability data of gravestones of different rock types (granite, marble, sandstone, and limestone). They’ll use the graphs they’ve created to answer questions, including a CER question.
- Part Three: Students ANALYZE material property data to recommend the best tombstone material for a specific environment. They have to justify their choice with evidence about weathering resistance, cost, and longevity.
Teacher Notes:
- Includes an answer key.
- Please note that this Halloween Earth science activity is not editable.
- You can also shop my TPT store!
- Related Standard: NGSS MS-ESS2-1
