SAN ANTONIO – Watch the video of Sarah’s school science experiment in the video player above.
Hello parents, teachers, and students! If your kiddos are learning about weathering, make sure to do this fun demonstration with them! It speeds up the weathering process by millions of years 😉
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED
MAKE YOUR HYPOTHESIS
Before starting the experiment, answer this question: What will happen to the chalk if I shake it in a jar with rock salt? This hypothesis will guide your expectations and encourage critical thinking, which is essential in the scientific method.
DO THE EXPERIMENT
To conduct the experiment, gather the following items: chalk, rock salt, a jar with a lid, and a safe workspace. Place a few pieces of chalk and a generous amount of rock salt into the jar. Secure the lid tightly and shake the jar vigorously for a few minutes. Afterward, observe the changes in the chalk.
HOW IT WORKS
This simple experiment demonstrates the natural process of weathering, which can take millions of years to occur in nature. By simulating this process on a smaller scale, students can see firsthand how weathering breaks down mountains, boulders, and rocks over time. Weathering is a vital geological process that shapes our landscape and contributes to soil formation, making it an essential topic in earth science education.
APPLY FOR SCIENCE WITH SARAH
If you’re interested in having Sarah come out to your school for more engaging science demonstrations, here’s how to apply: CLICK HERE. Sarah’s hands-on approach to science education not only makes learning fun but also fosters a deeper understanding of scientific principles among students.

