Investigation erosion in our world

Amy Anderson, Sand Creek Elementary School, Coon Rapids, MN, an extension of an activity from the FOSS Kit, Landforms
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Summary

Students have been exploring what erosion is using stream tables. It is now time for the students to take what they have learned and find out what it looks like in the real world. They will observe a river or stream to look for evidence of erosion. Students will work in groups and record their findings. As a whole group we will then look at the different examples of erosion found. Students will also need to discuss how erosion effects the environment.

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Learning Goals

Goals:
1.Identify examples of erosion in the schoolyard environment (stream, pond, river, hills, fields, etc.)
2.Explain how erosion effects the environment

Concepts:
1. Erosion is constantly happening.
2. Erosion happens gradually over time.
3. Erosion effects our environment in which we live.

Vocabulary words:
1. Erosion
2. Deposition
3. Environment

Context for Use

The lesson would be appropriate in grades 3-5 with a class size less then 40. This lesson is a field exercise and you would need to have access to some sort of water source. This activity will take about 45 min to complete. They is no special equipment needed. Students should have some previous experiences with landforms and erosion before doing this activity.

Description and Teaching Materials

Lesson:
1.Bring in mystery objects and objects that all are related to erosion. Have students look at objects and pictures and make observations.
2.Make an OKWHL chart as a class on chart paper about erosion.
3.Pass out nature journals and explain today's assignment:
a.With a group of 2-4, choose an area where you think erosion may have occurred and explain why you chose this area.
b.Observe the area for 4-5 minutes without talking.
c.Write your observations in the "I observe..." box.
d.Then in your group discuss any evidence of erosion you may have observed.
e.Draw what your site looks like.
f.Connect what you have learned today with our previous lesson of the indoor stream tables. Fill in your "connections" box in your journal.
g.Circle up and discuss observations as a class. Have students show where they found erosion.
h.Go inside and complete the OKWHL chart as a class.

Extensions:
1.River Friendly River Wild by Jane Kurtz
Choose a few poems to read from this books. Then have students create their own poem either using landform vocabulary or an encounter they have had with a landform.

Teaching Notes and Tips

Be sure to go over your expectations for observing the stream before you go out.
This activity is an extension of the FOSS Landform lesson because the students go out to observe erosion happening around them.

Assessment

Students will be assessed on how complete their observation page is as well as their explanation on how they think erosion effects our environment.

Standards

5.3.1 The surface of the Earth changes. Some changes are due to slow processes and some changes are due to rapid processes.

References and Resources