Crumpled newspaper
Potting soil
Water (to simulate heavy rain)
Aquarium plants (or other small, suitable vegetation)
Small toy houses or blocks (for simulation)
Rulers or measuring tape
Student lab sheets (for recording observations and data)
Preparation:
Prepare materials for building the slope and conducting the simulation.
Ensure each group or student has access to crumpled newspaper, potting soil, water, vegetation, and measuring tools.
Introduction:
Show a video or provide information about landslides, including their causes and potential impact on communities.
Discuss how vegetation can help stabilize soil and prevent landslides.
Building the Slope:
Slope Creation:
Instruct students to build a slope using crumpled newspaper covered with potting soil. The newspaper should be shaped into a sloping form.
Create two versions of the slope: one with no vegetation and one with vegetation strategically placed to simulate a stabilizing effect.
Simulating Landslides:
No Vegetation:
Pour water slowly onto the slope without vegetation to simulate heavy rainfall.
Observe and record the amount of water used before the slope begins to slide.
Measure and record the distance the toy houses or blocks slide down the slope.
With Vegetation:
Repeat the simulation with the slope that has vegetation.
Pour water onto the slope and observe how the vegetation affects soil stability.
Measure and record the amount of water used and the distance the houses or blocks slide.
Designing Solutions:
Discussion:
Have students discuss the results of their simulations and how vegetation impacted the stability of the slope.
Challenge students to design additional solutions or methods to prevent landslides (e.g., different types of vegetation, barriers, or terracing).
Implementation:
Students can test their designed solutions by modifying their slopes and repeating the simulation.
Conclusion:
Review the simulations and solutions with the class.
Discuss the effectiveness of various methods in preventing landslides and protecting communities.
Reinforce the importance of engineering solutions to address natural disasters and environmental challenges.
Extension:
Explore real-world examples of landslide prevention and engineering solutions.
Invite a guest speaker, such as a civil engineer or geologist, to discuss landslide prevention and mitigation techniques.