This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of The Orkin Ecologist. All opinions are 100% mine.

Recently we were contacted by Orkin to create a Halloween-themed project. My son Cam loves bugs and science, so this was a great fit! We checked out The Orkin Ecologist decided to build a sinkhole and include spooky sting bugs. We were inspired by the Stink Bug infographic, we found on the Orkin Pinterest page.

Did you know that stink bugs can enter your home 8 different ways? They can come in the attic, chimney, window screens, cracks in the foundation of your home, windows, pipes, doors and shrubs. They are called stink bugs because of their pungent odor, that they emit when they are threatened or disturbed. During the fall, they start seeking shelter because of the upcoming winter.

To make a sinkhole, you will need:

1. Mason Jar (We found a case of them at Target for $8)                        

2. 8 oz. of Water

3. 25 Sugar Cubes

4. Potting Soil- 2 cups

5.Sand (a good source is play sand from Home Depot)

6. Ruler

7. Plastic container or mini aquarium (we found ours at Petsmart)

 

First, put the limestone (25 sugar cubes) at the bottom of the container. Next, put the clay next (play sand) up above. The top soil (potting soil) goes at the top. Then it should look like the layers of Earth. Then, will pour some water slowly into the the jar, in an attempt to create a sinkhole.

Cam's project independent variable was how much water he poured over the dirt. His dependent variable was how fast the sink hole forms. He controlled how much dirt he used in each test.

A good “control” for this would be dirt in layers with no water poured over it.

If you’d like to create your own science project, the Orkin Ecologist site is a fantastic educational resource for both novice and experienced science lovers.

Also be sure to follow the Orkin Ecologist on Pinterest (http://www.pinterest.com/orkin) and share something on their board using #EEKologist