Testing the Shear Strength of Gummy Bear Mountain
Initial Publication Date: July 11, 2011
Summary
Students hypothesize about the components of shear strength using different shapes of jelly candy and then test their hypotheses. The exercise uses simple, readily available, and edible materials to exemplify scientific concepts.
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Context
Audience
Undergraduate in-class activity for a small class in geomorphology. The class is required for majors.
Skills and concepts that students must have mastered
Accompanies section on physical weathering. Students should have a cursory content based knowledge of the components of shear strength through reading text or listening to lecture before the activity.
How the activity is situated in the course
In-class exercise.
Goals
Content/concepts goals for this activity
Components of shear strength, factors of physical weathering.
Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity
Writing hypotheses, applying concepts, test hypotheses, evaluate results.
Other skills goals for this activity
Writing, working in groups.
Description of the activity/assignment
Students do background reading from the text on physical weathering and the components of shear strength. Students write hypotheses about the shear strength of different sizes and shapes of gummy candy. The students then uses simple experiments to demonstrate and test the shear strength of the candy types.
Determining whether students have met the goals
Students turn in a written report that is evaluated for thoroughness and accuracy. Students also participate in a class discussion about the results.
More information about assessment tools and techniques.Teaching materials and tips
- Activity Description/Assignment: Shear strength in-class exercise: Testing the shear strength of gummy bear mtn. (Microsoft Word 21kB Jun1 11)