What Is The Difference Between Weathering, Erosion and Deposition?

Are your students curious about how the Earth’s surface is shaped? Unlock excitement with your students as you tell them about the fascinating geological processes of weathering, erosion and deposition!

Weathering involves the breakdown of rocks, minerals, and other materials through physical, chemical and biological processes. Erosion then takes over as wind, water, and ice transport these weathered materials to new locations. Finally, deposition occurs when these materials are dropped and formed into new landforms like deltas, sand dunes, and beaches. 

Science Readers For Home and the Classroom!

If you are teaching this Earth science topic to your class, you have come to the right place! Teach Starter has developed a 10-page mini-book to help your students understand the differences between these three key terms. 

This printable mini-book can make a great addition to any science classroom, learning center or even as an activity to take home to do for homework. As students are working through the mini-book, they will learn about 

• How the Earth’s land changes quickly and slowly 
• The different types of weathering 
• Agents of erosion
• All about deposition 
• Landforms can be created due to these processes

As they read the mini-book, students are presented with check-for-understanding opportunities, a vocabulary review and a show-what-you-know section at the end.

How To Get Your Science Mini-Book

Are you ready for your students to get their hands on this science reader? Head on over to the green download button and choose from the quick-print PDF file or the editable Google Slides document. If selecting the Google Slides option, please note that you will first be prompted to make a copy of the resource to your personal drive before accessing it.

After printing out the pages, cut them in half and stack them on top of each other. Staple the pages along the left-hand side to secure.

This resource was created by Brittany Kellogg, a teacher in Ohio and a Teach Starter Collaborator.

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:  

teaching resource

Weathering, Erosion and Deposition – Teaching Slides

Learn about the different types of weathering, effects of erosion, results of deposition and more with this set of teaching slides.

teaching resource

Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition – Sorting Activity

Categorize examples of deposition, weathering, and erosion with this 24-card sorting activity.

teaching resource

Types of Weathering – Cut and Paste Worksheet

Use this cut-and-paste worksheet when classifying examples that show mechanical, chemical, or biological weathering.