Acid Rain, Weathering, and Erosion Kit

With this Environmental Chemistry Acid Rain, Weathering, and Erosion Kit, students experiment with the effects of acid rain on naturally occurring stone and common building materials. Acid rain is a term used generically to describe any type of acidic moisture: rain, snow, or fog. Acid rain can have devastating effects on aquatic ecosystems, terrestrial areas, naturally-occurring rocky surfaces, and human-made surfaces as well. Different stone and metal substances used in the construction of buildings, statues, monuments, etc. may all be affected by acid rain. The rates of erosion and weathering may increase rapidly depending on the degree of acidity in the precipitation.

With this kit, students expose many rock materials and metals, both naturally-occurring and common in construction, to an acidic environment and examine their reactions in contrast to the same materials exposed to "normal" rain (tap water). This Acid Rain, Weathering, and Erosion Kit contains enough materials for 15 groups. A teacher's manual and reproducible student study guide are included.

Safety gear, specifically gloves, goggles, and apron, are recommended. You provide 500mL container for mixing sulfuric acid.

More Information

• Safety Information (SDS)

Acid Rain, Weathering, and Erosion Kit

• 1 bag marble chips
• 1 bag brick chips
• 1 bag granite chips
• 1 bag limestone chips
• 1 bag sandstone chips
• 1 bag steel shot
• 1 bag copper shot
• 1 bag zinc shot
• 3 x 25 ml sulfuric acid concentrate (to make 500 ml each)
• 120 measuring cups, disposable
• Teacher's manual and reproducible student study guide