Slow Changes to Earth’s Surface

Are your students learning about the different ways the Earth changes over time? While there are some fast ways the landscape can change (tornadoes, tsunamis, earthquakes, etc.), there are also slow processes that can create landforms and shape the Earth over a long period of time. Let’s take a look at some of these processes that you can teach to your students!

Weathering

Weathering is the natural process by which rocks, soils, and other geological materials are broken down physically, chemically, and biologically due to exposure to atmospheric and environmental conditions. This process occurs gradually over time and can lead to the creation of new minerals, landforms, and soil types.

Erosion

Erosion is a natural process where the earth’s surface is worn away by various factors such as wind, water, ice, and gravity. This process gradually removes soil, rock, and other materials from one place to another, altering the landscape over time.

Deposition

Deposition refers to the process of settling or depositing particles or substances onto a surface or area. This can occur naturally over time, such as when sediment settles at the bottom of a lake or river.

Digital Science Activities for the Classroom

Engage your students with a set of thoughtfully crafted activities to help them strengthen their understanding of weathering, erosion and deposition. This set of interactive activities includes 9 activities to use in the classroom or at home. Inside, you will find:

• Vocabulary matching
• Matching a word with a picture
• True or false questions
• Multiple choice questions
• Sorting activity
• Video and response activity
• Compare and contrast activity
• Writing activity

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

If you are ready to get your hands on this science activity, head on over to the green download button! Here, you will be able to download the interactive Google Slides version of this resource. Please guide your students to complete the activities in “Edit” mode rather than presentation mode. This way, students will be able to type in the text boxes, drag and drop items and use the paint bucket tool.

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

More Resources for Your Weathering and Erosion Unit!

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

teaching resource

Weathering, Erosion and Deposition Doodle Notes

Engage your students with a set of science doodle notes when learning about erosion, weathering and deposition.

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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.

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Weathering, Erosion and Deposition Mini-Book

Introduce your students to the different slow changes to Earth’s surface with a printable mini-book designed for 4th and 5th-grade students.