Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

NEED HELP I preformed a science project to try and produce weathering on rocks by freezing them and then baking them to see if they would break them into pieces. After preforming the experiment several times I was unable to produce any measurable results. NO change in any of the rocks. My question is how do I show NO change on a data table and graph for a science project board. I need to complete this project soon and do not know what to do if you can not produce measurable results.

Hi rbunner2,

What an interesting project! Did you try freezing the rocks with water present? Often it is the expansion of water during freezing that causes rocks to break apart.

If you do not have time to repeat your experiment with and without water, you can still present what you have done. Did you make any measurements (like the length, width, and height of each rock) before and after freezing and baking? If so, you can graph these measurements to show that there was no difference in the measurements before and after your treatment. Something like a grouped bar graph could work well here.

Let me know if this makes sense, and please post again (in this same thread) if you have more questions.

Heather

Hi! I was wondering where I can get a kit that has the three different types of rocks, with at least two of each. Can you please tell me where I can get this for the cheapest price. That would be so helpful! Thanks!

Hi Emily,

Scientists are adventurous and love to discover things on their own. Why don't you look for rocks where you live? Every place has some kinds of natural rock--limestone, granite, shale, quartz, sandstone and many others. Do some research online about rocks and minerals then take a walk near your house or drive out to the country and look. You will learn a lot more by doing things yourself and have more fun.

Oh, and one more thing. I noticed that you posted your question on a thread from four years ago. True, your question is related to that thread, but it is much easier for people to understand what YOU are doing if you start your own thread.

Good luck!

Sybee