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Earth Science
Back to Manipulative Lists

Earth Science Manipulatives

Listed below are helpful manipulatives for students studying Earth Science. Some are available for purchase, while others may be created at home.

Earth Science
Image of earth with cut-away showing the inside

Purchasable Options

Title
Description
Link
Break Your Own Geodes
Kids STEM Science Kit - Easy-to-Open Geode with Crystals (ages 7-9)
Purchase on Amazon
Classic Earth Hugg-A-Planet
Plush globe of planet earth with outlined countries for all ages
Purchase on Amazon
4M Clean Water Science
Science kit to demonstrate the scientific way to extract salt from sea water (ages 8+)
Purchase on Amazon
Learning Resources Cross-Section Earth Model
Foam model that illustrates the different layers of Earth (ages 7+)
Purchase on Amazon
Mineral Identification Kit
Set of 20 rock samples for studying geology and earth science with index cards for identification (ages 7+)
Purchase on Amazon
National Geographic Earth Science Kit
100+ earth science experiments and activities for kids aged 7-9
Purchase on Amazon
National Geographic Mega Crystal Growing Kit
Fast growing crystal kit in six different colors for children aged 8-12. Will also double as a chemistry activity.
Purchase on Amazon
National Geographic Rock Collection Box for Kids
300 piece rock set with real fossils, gemstones, and crystals (ages 7+)
Purchase on Amazon
National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit
Rock polisher for kids and adults that includes rough gemstones, and four polishing grits.
Purchase on Amazon
National Geographic Ultimate Volcano Kit
Science kit to create your own erupting volcano (ages 7-9)
Purchase on Amazon
Steve Spangler's Heat Sensitive Paper
Thermochromic paper that changes color in sunlight or when the temperature changes (ages 6-12)
Purchase on Amazon
UV Beads
Scientific multi-color changing beads (UV Reactive Plastic Luminous for ages 6-8)
Purchase on Amazon
Anti-Fog Protective Safety Goggles
Safety goggles for use during science experiments
Purchase on Amazon

DIY Options

Build a Layers of Soil Model
Using Legos to build a model of the composition and characteristics of soil layers (ages 7-9)
Link
Build a River Model
Build a model to explore the distinct characteristics of a river (ages 7-9).
Link
Crayola Air Dry Clay (5lbs)
Air-dry sculpting clay for use in creating various earth science projects (all ages)
Link
Custom Leathercraft Flex Grip Work Gloves
Gloves for handling rocks, stones, project materials (age 13+)
Link
Growing a Soil Menagerie
Make a miniature biosphere, called a Winogradsky column, to test how including different nutrients affect which soil microorganisms grow in it (ages 10-12).
Link
Heavy Duty Chisels Set
Ideal for cutting and splitting hard stone (ages 12+)
Link
Homemade Erupting Volcano
Make a volcano that erupts from household materials (ages 7-9).
Link
How Are Fold Mountains Formed
Explore how fold mountains are formed (ages 7-9).
Link
How Are Craters Made?
Discover how craters are made (Ages 7-9).
Link
How To Make Your Own Rock
Make your own rock with common materials (ages 4-6)
Link
Illuminated Jewelers Loupe
Portable foldable magnifying glass for inspecting nature materials (all ages)
Link
Layers of the Earth Activity
Easy project with minimal supplies that includes a video to see how to shape the layers of the Earth visual model. Ages 7-9
Link
Make Your Own Seismograph
Create a homemade seismograph to understand the study of earthquakes (ages 10-12)
Link
Orange Peel Plate Tectonics
Using a simple orange to demonstrate how the crust fractures and moves (Plate tectonics). Ages 7-9.
Link
Play-Doh Bulk 10-Pack
Variety of Play-Doh colors for use in landform building and other earth science projects (all ages)
Link
Rock Acid Test
Use common materials to conduct a rock acid test (ages 7-9).
Link
Soil Erosion Experiment
An experiment to demonstrate the relationship between precipitation, soil erosion, protection of watercourses and vegetation (Ages 7-9)
Link
Testing a Rock's Hardness
Create a test to determine the hardness of a mineral (ages 7-9).
Link
22 oz Geology Hammer
The rock hammer of choice for geologists and rockhounds (age 12+)
Link
2 Pack 75mm 10X Handheld Magnifying Glass
Rubber magnifying glasses for studying rocks, fossils, and other nature objects
Link
Underwater Volcano Experiment
Underwater volcano experiment to explore what it may look like when a volcano erupts undersea. Ages 7-9.
Link
UV Blacklight
UV Blacklight for rock & mineral hunting
Link
Water Cycle in a Jar
Recreate the water cycle in a jar (ages 7-9).
Link