With this activity, students will learn how the process of weathering and erosion can change the surface of the Earth. Have each student fill up a cup with paper confetti or holes from a whole paper punch. They will also need the lid of a shoe box and several baseball-size rocks. Place the paper holes in the shoe box top. The paper holes will simulate dirt and do not have to be evenly layered or completely cover the top. Explain to students there are natural forces that affect the displacement of soil and erosion. It is best if students work in pairs; have one student hold the top and one student stand to the side. The student that stands to the side will blow the paper holes on the top. The students are to observe how the paper holes have moved and reorganized on the top. After the demonstration, discuss how wind impacts erosion and how plant life is vulnerable to erosion by wind. Repeat the demonstration, but this time have students place the rocks on top of the paper holes, in the lid. Students will observe how the paper holes move around the rocks.
Erosion stations introduce and review different types of erosion. This will give you an opportunity to discuss the differences between weathering and erosion. Have students record observations at each station. At one station, discuss beach erosion. Place a pile of sand on one end of a pan and pour water on the other end. Simulate waves by sliding the pan back and forth. At the second station, place six ice cubes on a pile of dirt and have students record the changes as the ice melts.
This assignment will help students identify erosion in their own environment. Have students research different types of erosion. Allow students to walk around the school to make note of erosion they discover at the school. This is a very basic assignment but will be enjoyed because it gives students an opportunity to learn outside of the classroom setting. Students can also work in groups to create proposed solutions to address school erosion problems.
To help students identify the different types of erosion, have them create erosion boards. On the boards, have the students put pictures of various types of eroded surfaces. Each surface should be labeled with the type of erosion and possible causes.