Observe Rapid Changes With a Cookie Erosion Experiment

Bring the concept of erosion to life in your classroom with a fun and hands-on Cookie Erosion Experiment! This activity allows students to explore how water can change the Earth’s surface over time by using chocolate chip cookies to represent soil and rocks. 

As students simulate rainfall and use different tools to erode their “landscape,” they can observe how water slowly and effectively alters surfaces, making the abstract concept of water erosion fun and engaging. This is a ‘sweet’ Cookie Erosion Experiment your students are sure to remember!

Your Students Will Love This Sweet Erosion Lab!

This printable Erosion Lab activity provides everything you need to run a simple, safe, and fun erosion lab activity. Students will:

• Predict how water and different tools will affect their cookie landscape.
• Observe erosion patterns and the movement of cookie “sediments.”
• Record their observations and draw conclusions about the effects of water on Earth’s surface.

Using cookies as a model makes learning about weathering and erosion memorable and fun while reinforcing scientific thinking skills such as hypothesis formation, observation, and data recording.

Download Your Weathering and Erosion Lab Today

Getting started is simple! Click the dropdown arrow on the Download button to access your printable Cookie Erosion Lab PDF or editable Google Slides resource file. The resource includes step-by-step instructions, a materials list, observation sheets, and reflection prompts.

This resource was created by Brittany Kellogg, a teacher in Ohio and Teach Starter Collaborator.

More Erosion Experiments and Resources for Kids

Looking for additional ways to teach students about erosion and Earth’s changing surface? Pair this

cookie lab with other engaging erosion experiments and hands-on science activities.

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Erosion PowerPoint

Use this Erosion PowerPoint to teach your second and third graders about the way erosion changes the Earth’s surface.

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Erosion Worksheets for 2nd Grade

Download printable 2nd grade Erosion Worksheets to pair with your erosion lessons on changes to the Earth’s surface.

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Science Comprehension - Erosion Sheet Bundle (2-4)

Download a printable Erosion Sheet for 2nd grade to teach your little learners about wind, water, and ice erosion.