Use a shallow planter and grow grass or a herb, such as catnip or chives. Water as indicated and grow until approximately two inches in height. Choose a grass or herb that grows quickly and easily.
Once the grass has reached two inches, prepare two additional shallow planters for the exhibit. Fill the planters with loose dirt. Wet the dirt in one of the planters with water until it is soaked, but no water should stand in pools.
Unroll three pieces of white butcher paper approximately eight feet in length. Tape one end of each roll to a wall at a height of approximately two feet. This will create a curved surface.
Place each planter at the other end of the paper roll so that any dirt that blows off will land on the paper. Place a fan in front of each planter, facing it down the length of the butcher paper. Turn on the fans and allow them to blow across the three planters.
The dry, loose dirt should blow out of the planter and onto the butcher paper. Videotape the experiment for five minutes to document how much dirt is blown out of the planter. This video can be run on a computer as part of the demonstration. Additional information on why the planter with wet soil or grass did not create a "dust bowl" effect can also be displayed.