The student could perform the following activity to model the physical weathering of rock:
1. Obtain a small piece of rock, preferably a sample that is prone to physical weathering (e.g., a sedimentary rock like sandstone or shale).
2. Fill a container with water and immerse the rock in it. Make sure the container is large enough to fully submerge the rock.
3. Place the container with the rock in a freezer. Leave it there for several hours, or overnight, to simulate freeze-thaw weathering.
4. Once the rock is frozen, remove the container from the freezer and allow it to thaw at room temperature. Repeat the freeze-thaw cycle several times to simulate the repeated freezing and thawing that occurs naturally in weathering.
5. Observe and record any changes or cracks that appear on the surface of the rock after each freeze-thaw cycle. These cracks are indicative of physical weathering caused by the expansion and contraction of water within the rock.
By performing this activity, the student can observe and understand how freezing and thawing can cause physical weathering of rocks in nature.