Is It Erosion?

Book Chapter | March 2016

The purpose of this assessment probe is to elicit students’ ideas about erosion. The probe is designed to find out whether students can distinguish between erosion and weathering. When rock material is broken down or…

The Grand Erosion Investigation

Book Chapter | October 2019

Chapters 6–13 share grades 3–5 model lessons for putting the “explore-before-explain” mind-set into practice. In this chapter, the fourth-grade lesson is aimed at helping students explore the Next Generation Science…

Lab 8: Surface Erosion by Wind

Book Chapter | February 2018

In this lab investigation, students are introduced to the disciplinary core idea of Earth Materials and Systems as they develop a conceptual model that can be used to explain why wind speed, wind duration, and soil…

Lab 9: Surface Erosion by Wind

Book Chapter | February 2018

In this lab investigation, students are introduced to the disciplinary core ideas of (a) Earth Materials and Systems and (b) The Roles of Water in Earth’s Surface Processes as they figure out how stream flow volume…

Scaffolding Fourth-graders’ Inquiry about Erosion

Journal Article | July 2024

This sequence of lessons has students observing erosion and creating ideas about factors that affect erosion. Then, as a class, students first explore the impact of vegetation on erosion. Then, groups of students more…

Wind Erosion and the Dust Bowl

Journal Article | May 2020

Engineering and Design: Reducing Erosion at the ShoreDesigning a lesson using a Gather, Reason, and Communicate framework.

Journal Article | September 2024

Integrating engineering into the science curriculum in a meaningful way requires planning that utilizes a 3-dimensional approach. Using a “gather, reason, communicate” framework (Moulding, Huff, Van der Veen, 2020)…

Formative Assessment Probes: Is It Erosion or Weathering?

Journal Article | February 2016

This column focuses on promoting learning through assessment. The formative assessment probe in this month’s issue can be used as an initial elicitation before students are introduced to the formal concepts of…

Take a Tumble: Weathering and Erosion Using a Rock Tumbler

Journal Article | February 2006

The subtle effects of weathering and erosion are difficult to convey to students. However, through this activity, students can use a rock tumbler to gain a personal and scientific perspective on weather and erosion.…

Authentic Landscapes Indoors: Using Erosion Models to Connect Science and Engineering Practices

Journal Article | November 2013

Build models that explore how natural and human-made constructs limit erosion.