Concrete Ideas

TEACHERS: Check out our "Teacher Topics" page for classroom resources!

STUDENTS: Below we offer some sample ideas for science fair projects and report topics. Don't forget to see our "Library Links" page for more resources available to you!

REMEMBER!! SAFETY FIRST!!

Always wear goggles, gloves and other protective gear. Always have an adult around to assist.

SCIENCE FAIR PROJECTS:

Locate a Cement Plant (what matters): What is important when you choose an area upon which to build a cement plant? Display samples of good area placements as well as those that would not be good.

Collect soil/rock samples and inspect them for the ingredients needed to make cement. Discuss the soil/rock samples and what makes their origin area a good place for a cement plant. Compare them to soil/rock samples that are not desirable for locating a cement plant. You will need to research desirable qualities and necessary ingredients of soil and rock for the making of cement.

Concrete Strength (varying amounts of sand): Test different mixes of sand to cement to guage strength based on mixture variances. Does the amount of sand in the mixture affect the strength? How? Document your findings.

Test different mixes of sand to cement. Mix several samples with varying amounts of sand in the mix (ex: 0% sand/100% cement, 10% sand/90% cement, 20% sand/80% cement, etc.). Make several blocks. Cure the block as instructed on the cement bag. Suspend increasing amounts of weight from the center of the block until it breaks. Record the weight at the time of the break. Which mixes were stronger?

Concrete Strength (vary types of liquid): Test different mixes of liquid mixed in cement to guage strength based on liquid type variances. Does the use of liquids other than water affect the strength? Document your findings.

Test different mixtures of cement. Make several test blocks. Use water (amount suggested on the cement bag) for the first one. In each additional sample, replace the water with a different type of liquid in the same liquid to cement ratio used in the water sample (ex: milk, orange juice, bleach, koolaid, laundry detergent, etc.). Cure the block as instructed on the cement bag. Suspend increasing amounts of weight from the center of the block until it breaks. Record the weight at the time of the break. Which liquids make cement stronger? Which liquids make cement weaker?

REPORT TOPICS: The Reflectivity of White Cement - Uses and Benefits: Click Here to read more about the topic in our Strange But True section.

Cement Sustainability: Click Here to read more about the topic in our Sustainable Development section.

LIBRARY LINKS: Visit our Library Links page to learn about more resources for learning and projects.

FUN & GAMES: Visit our Fun & Games page to find downloads to hand out like word searches and coloring pages.