Investigating Earth Changes-Looking at Weathering and Erosion

1. Students will understand that the earth is in a constant state of change
2. Students will be able to define weathering and erosion and distinguish the difference between them.
3. Students will be able to identify examples of weathering from the environment around them.

Match Grade five, Strand III Earth and Space Science, sub strand A Earth Structure and Processes, Standard: Student will explore the structure and function of Earth systems. Benchmark- Student will recognize the natural processes that cause rocks to break down into smaller pieces and eventually soil.

Students will be using spiral notebooks as journals to list key vocabulary, keep notes, and write observations. To start the activity students will be asked to respond to the questions- What is weathering? What is erosion? Can you give examples? What do you think causes them? Student responses will be shared and charted on a classroom bulletin board that will be referred to throughout the lessons. Students will then view a power point presentation on weathering and erosion taking notes and making diagrams in their science journals. Students will be divided into small groups to do simple science experiments that illustrate a type of weathering or erosion. Each group will be given an investigation sheet that gives a purpose, lists materials needed, procedures to follow. In groups students will conduct their experiment and write observations of what they see. They will then report the findings to the larger group. Independently students will be given the task of finding evidence of erosion in the environment around them. They will be able to do this by making a drawing or taking a photograph (with disposable cameras that can be checked out). Student work would be shared and displayed on the erosion-weathering bulletin board. Our goal for the class would be to document each type of weathering and erosion that was learned. Weathering and Erosion Power point with Quiz (Acrobat (PDF) 3.3MB Jun3 11) Weathering and Erosion power point 2 (Acrobat (PDF) 3.3MB Jun3 11) Investigating Weather Guided Inquiry ( Introductory Activity (Microsoft Word 135kB Aug13 08) Earth Science Erosion and weathering experiments (Microsoft Word 104kB Aug13 08)

Student groups for experiments should be predetermined beforehand and should put together groups that can work effectively. All materials for experiments are kept in Ziploc bags with a laminated activity sheet. Students should copy the information from the activity sheet into their science journals.

1. Science journals- would need to include definitions for erosion, weathering, diagrams to accompany definitions, responses to questions, science experiment notes and observations.
2. A test on vocabulary terms and matching of pictures with types of weathering and erosion
3. Presentation of an example of erosion from the nearby environment through a drawing or photograph.

match Grade five, Strand III Earth and Space Science, sub strand A Earth Structure and Processes, Standard: Student will explore the structure and function of Earth systems. Benchmark- Student will recognize the natural processes that cause rocks to break down into smaller piece and eventually soil.