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Materials
Some materials show the effects of erosion much easier than others. When conducting a science experiment on erosion, use materials that easily show erosion so you can visually observe the changes over a shorter period. For instance, using a piece of rock to show the effects of erosion is less effective than using a mound of sand or dirt. While the rock will also erode in time, it takes much longer and the changes are smaller and harder to identify. Sand and dirt change more quickly and drastically.
Process
As you complete an erosion science project, control the elements as much as possible to avoid outside elements that can alter your experiment. Always conduct these experiments indoors to prevent outside weather ̵2; such as wind, sun or moisture ̵2; from affecting your materials. If you sprinkle water onto your materials to emulate rain, always drop the same amount of water from the same distance for more accurate results. As with all science experiments, keep outside influences at a minimum.
Variables
In many cases, a science project requires the use of variables to record observations. These observations form the basis of the science experiment and allow you to form your conclusions. With an erosion experiment, use different methods of applying the water to your materials ̵2; such as frozen, sprinkling and pouring ̵2; to record the effects. Using each of these methods shows you how different types of erosion occur. Another element that can become a variable for a science experiment on erosion is the shape of the sand or dirt. For instance, one sample can be flat, another can have the form of a hill or mountain and a third can have the shape of a valley or indentation. Adding a facial tissue or paper towel to a mound of dirt or sand can represent the ground cover and show you how the presence of ground cover erosion.
Observations
Science projects require you to make observations about the experiment so you can draw conclusions about your subject. As you perform your experiments, keep a piece of paper and pencil close by so you can record your observations immediately. Watch your materials as you apply the water, and watch for changes to occur. Write down all of the details you observe, such as which changes occur in the shape of the landscape, how quickly these changes occur and how much of a change you have seen. A chart helps you organize the information in an easy-to-read manner, helping you compile the data in an orderly fashion. If you organize the data well, you can more easily establish your conclusions.