Rivanna Regional Stormwater Education Partnership
Does It Soak Right In?
Which materials are best for groundwater runoff, and which are best for percolation? Discuss the water table with several experiments about different types of soil, pollution, precipitation, and filtration. The experiments assign roles...
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Structure of the Earth
Sixth graders investigate earthquakes and volcanoes. They demonstrate fault lines with a folded piece of paper, conduct an erosion experiment, and construct a volcano using clay, baking soda and vinegar.
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Soil Erosion Demonstrations
Students conduct experiments demonstrating soil erosion and the benefits of conservation practices. Working in groups, they use topsoil and sand in shallow boxes as models to examine the effects of water on soil and sand with and without...
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I Don't Think We're in Kansas Anymore (Grades 2-5)
Young scholars give examples of erosion and weathering processes. They determine causes of America's Dust Bowl phenomena.Students define erosion as the condition in which the earth's surface is worn away by the action of water and wind.
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The Physical Environment
Fourth graders use damp sand, a baking pan, and water to simulate erosion. In this erosion lesson plan, 4th graders participate in a simulation to show what moving water does to land.
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Environment: Erosion Boxes
Fourth graders discover how the processes of erosion and weathering alter the physical characteristics of the environment. In a student log,they record the various types of erosion and list ways to prevent it. Using clear, plastic...
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Weathering Landforms
Stduents create and color plaster landforms, and describe how weathering and erosion change the Earth's surface.
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Playing in mud puddles
Students examine the effects of rainfall on different surfaces and discuss water pollution. They review the water cycle and the uses of water in daily lifestyles. Students discuss the effects of soil run off in streams and rivers.
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Plop! Plop! Fizz! Fizz!
Fourth graders study physical and chemical weathering. They explain how the processes of weathering and erosion change and move materials that become soil. They create a K-W-L chart to show what they know and list what else they would...
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Look At What Nature Has Done!
Students examine how easy it is to break rock. They investigate weathering and erosion in a number of activities.
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Change Agents
Third graders experiment with three erosive change agents. They do an observation log, which they present to the class through a song, poem or skit.
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Earth System Science
Learners explore the Earth and its ability to support life. They discuss the geosphere and the water cycle and complete the Water Wonders activity. After completing the activity, they respond in their journals and reflect upon the...
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Weathering and Erosion Splashdown
Fourth graders investigate how plants and their roots help slow the erosion process.
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Science:Effects of Weathering
Seventh graders take an outdoor observation walk around the campus and take soil samples. Working in groups , they conduct experiments with rocks and soil that demonstrate the effects of different types of erosion.
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Barrier Islands
Third graders explore how barrier islands work. In this erosion lesson, 3rd graders create barrier islands in stream tables and simulate wave action to see how it affects their island.
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Weathering Agent 007
Students are introduced to the concept of weathering. In groups, they use the internet to research the various types of weathering agents and their effect on different materials. Using photographs, they discuss the role humans play in...
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Rocks
Middle schoolers examine how sedimentary rocks are formed. For this rock lesson students research different rock formations and different types of rock.
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Geology
Young scholars, in groups, observe the effect of water and ice on surface features of the land. They alsoexplore erosion and deposition.
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Parl Ranger in Training
Pupils develop a research presentation about rock formations and natural erosion. Using traditional and online resources, students gather and organize information about rock formations. Pupils use their information to create a brief oral...
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Erosion in Different Soils [Erosion Races]
Fourth graders review how erosion can happen by wind, water, and gravity which they studied in previous lesson plan. They attempt to discover if all soils erode at the same rate. In small groups, 4th graders experiment with three...
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"What If The Earth Were Made Of Sand
Young scholars examine the most common characteristics of clay and sand, and to understand how the properties of these materials affect the erosion of the landscape and the formation of the many landforms. They explore clay and sand...
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Constructive and Destructive forces
Young scholars explore constructive and destructive forces. In this constructive and destructive forces instructional activity, students complete a WebQuest. Young scholars explore the different types of forces and their effect on the...
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Hold on Tight!
Students explore the close connection between plant roots and the soil in which they grow. They investigate the roots of plants, make models of plant roots using pipe cleaners, and examine photos and images to explore the connection...
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Shake, Rattle and Roll
Students compare the weathering of different-sized materials. Comparisons are made and data analyzed to reach conclusions about the process of weathering. Applications can be made for the higher grades.