Begin the lesson with a captivating story about how the Grand Canyon was formed over millions of years through the process of erosion by the Colorado River.
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Erosion
Learning Objectives
- Define erosion and identify the factors that cause it, such as water, wind, gravity, and glaciers.
- Explain how erosion can change the landscape over time, providing examples such as coastal erosion and dune formation.
- Describe the role of animals in the process of erosion, using examples like meerkats and grazing animals.
- Understand the impact of glaciers on the Earth's surface through the movement and deposition of rocks.
Introduction and Hook
Introduce the concept of erosion using a short video clip from 'The Grand Canyon' to illustrate the power of water erosion and its impact on landscapes over time.
Direct Instruction
Define erosion and discuss the factors that cause it, such as water, wind, gravity, and glaciers. Use examples like coastal erosion and dune formation to illustrate these processes.
Explain the role of animals in erosion, using examples such as meerkats and grazing animals to show how their activities can contribute to soil movement.
Guided Exploration
Watch the 'Weathering and Erosion – A Visit to Bryce Canyon National Park' video to understand how natural processes shape unique rock formations over time.
Engage students in a discussion about how glaciers, like Lambert Glacier in East Antarctica, impact the Earth's surface through the movement and deposition of rocks.
Hands-On Activity
Conduct a classroom experiment to simulate erosion using sand, water, and wind. Observe how these elements move particles and change landscapes.
Use the 'Lighthouse Lab – Coastal Erosion' video to explore engineering solutions to coastal erosion and encourage students to design their own solutions.
Independent Practice
Assign students to research and present on a specific type of erosion, such as wind erosion or glacial erosion, using examples from their local area or famous landmarks.
Check for Understanding
Use the 'Comprehension – Erosion' assessment to evaluate students' understanding of erosion processes and their ability to apply this knowledge.
Review and Reflection
Reflect on how erosion has shaped the local environment and discuss ways to mitigate its effects. Encourage students to think about the balance between natural processes and human intervention.
Assessment and Extension
Administer the 'Weathering, Erosion and Deposition' assessment to test students' comprehension of the interconnected processes that shape the Earth.
Try the Quiz
Encourage students to explore further by visiting local geological sites or museums to see examples of erosion and its impact on the landscape.
