The Earth is a Changin'

This lesson introduces and describes the main types of erosion (i.e., chemical, water, wind, glacier and temperature). Students learn examples of each type of erosion and discuss how erosion changes the surface of the Earth. Students also learn why engineers need to be aware of the different types of erosion in order to protect structures and landmarks from the damaging effects erosion can cause. This lesson introduces and describes the main types of erosion (i.e., chemical, water, wind, glacier and temperature).

Weblink address (URL): 
The Earth is a Changin'

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Learning Objectives:

After this lesson, students should be able to:

  • List several different types of erosion.
  • Describe several land formations that have been created by erosion.

Explain how engineers learn about erosion to design or protect structures

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding
Extension suggestions: 

Lesson Extension Activities:

  • Find some images of your community and region from 100 years ago to modern day. Have students compare and contrast the images. What has changed? How much of this change is due to natural erosion? How much is due to human intervention (buildings and highways, etc.)? If the area had been left alone except for natural processes such as water, wind and temperature, what parts of the landscape would have changed over 100 years due to erosion?
  • Have students investigate the human effect on erosion. For example, What are examples of human contributions to acid rain or waterways re-routing that have affected the surrounding landscapes? Have students develop plans to help reduce the human effect on the natural erosion that occurs over time. Have them describe activities that they could participate in that would help with land conservation and preservation of monuments or landscapes.

References

Contributors: 
Karla Fultz
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation