Fourth- and fifth-grade students learn best when they visualize the topic they are learning about. This activity enables students to observe a physical representation of different types of landforms, thus helping them gain a better understanding of the differences between landform types. Have children create models to illustrate the different types of landforms. Provide students with clay, sand, rocks, paint and construction paper. Encourage children to use the materials to make models of a specific type of landform. For example, children may form the clay into tall sculptures, paint them brown and add rocks to the sides to create model mountains. For glaciers, they may create a bumpy surface, paint it light blue and press some rocks into it. Discuss the difference between the different landforms and discuss whether or not they are habitable.
During the fourth and fifth grades, creative writing is a large focus of the English-language arts curriculum. Bring the study of landforms across the curriculum by having children write creative writing pieces about landforms. Discuss the different types of landforms and ask children to write creative stories that illustrate what it would be like to live on different types of landforms. For example, if they live on a coastline, ask them to write about what it would be like to live on a mountain, or if they live on a mountain, what it would be like to live on a plain. This activity enables students to apply knowledge of one content area to another, thus increasing their comprehension of both subjects.
Though fourth- and fifth-grade students are certainly well on their way to becoming teens, it doesn't mean that they've lost the desire to play games. In fact, games are a beneficial tool in education, as they spark students' attention and help them relate to different topics. Engage your students in a competitive game to teach them about different types of landforms. Divide the class into two teams and offer two or three clues about a type of landform. For example, describe a plain by saying it's flat, open and covered with grass. The first team to guess the correct landform based on your clues earns a point. The team that earns the most points at the end of the game wins.
Fourth- and fifth-grade students begin learning how to perform research and construct reports based on their research. To provide students with practice conducting and writing research projects, engage them in research projects about landforms. Divide students into pairs or groups of three and provide each group with a type of landform; valleys, canyons and mountains, for example. Encourage children to use the Internet or resources at the library to locate information that pertains to some of the most famous examples of the landforms they have been assigned to. For instance, the group assigned to mountains may research Mount Everest. Have students compile their information into reports and then invite them to present their research to the class.