Begin the lesson with an engaging question: "Have you ever wondered how deep valleys and flat lands are formed on Earth?" This will pique students' curiosity about the topic.
Go to the LessonLesson Plans
Canyons and Plateaus
Learning Objectives
- Understand the processes of weathering and erosion and how they contribute to the formation of canyons and plateaus.
- Identify the characteristics of canyons and explain how they are formed by rivers and weather.
- Describe the formation and features of plateaus and compare them to canyons.
- Recognize the role of natural forces in shaping Earth's landscape over millions of years.
Introduction and Hook
Show a short clip from the video 'Earth's Landforms – Plateaus and Canyons' to introduce the concepts of canyons and plateaus.
Direct Instruction
Explain the processes of weathering and erosion and their roles in forming canyons and plateaus. Use diagrams to illustrate these processes.
Discuss the characteristics of canyons, using the Grand Canyon as a case study. Highlight how the Colorado River has shaped this landscape over millions of years.
Guided Exploration
Facilitate a discussion on the differences between canyons and plateaus. Encourage students to identify these landforms on a map.
Watch the video 'Earth's Landforms – Plateaus and Canyons' to reinforce understanding of the geological processes involved.
Hands-On Activity
Conduct a modeling activity where students create a model of a canyon and a plateau using clay and other materials. This will help them visualize the formation processes.
Use the 'Modeling Land and Water' assessment to guide the activity and assess understanding.
Independent Practice
Assign students to research a famous canyon or plateau and present their findings to the class. This will help them apply their knowledge and improve research skills.
Check for Understanding
Use the 'Earth’s Landforms' assessment to evaluate students' understanding of different landforms and their characteristics.
Review and Reflection
Have students reflect on what they learned about canyons and plateaus by writing a short paragraph. Encourage them to include how these landforms are shaped by natural forces.
Assessment and Extension
Administer the 'Review – Earth’s Land and Water' assessment to test comprehension of the unit.
Try the Quiz
Encourage students to explore further by visiting a local library or using online resources to learn more about geological formations.
