Lesson:Experimenting with Erosion

Author:Brenda Koerner

Area: Earth and Space Sciences

Grade Level: 6-8

Overview:

Goal: The purpose of this lesson plan is to provide an opportunity to investigate the process of erosion and some of the factors that influence the rates of soil loss. In addition, the students should be developing writing, graphing and analytical skills.

Objectives:
• The students will be able to describe the process of erosion.
• The students will be able to identify factors responsible for soil erosion.
• The students will be able to build a model.
• The students will be able to write a business letter describing the findings of their model.
• The students will be able to write a proposal.
• The students will be able to design their own experiment to test a proposed solution to an erosion problem.
• The students will be able to formulate a hypothesis.
• The students will be able to analyze the results of their experiments.
• The students will be able to solve an erosion problem.
• The students will be able to summarize their findings both written and/or orally.

Standards:

Arizona State Standards
1SC-E1. Identify a question, formulate a hypothesis, control and manipulate variables, devise experiments, predict outcomes, compare and analyze results, and defend conclusions.
PO1. (Grades 6-8) Design an experiment using a scientific method.
PO2. (Grades 6-8) Conduct an experiment using a scientific method.
PO3. (Grades 6-8) Analyze the results of an experiment.
PO4. (Grades 6-8) Defend conclusions drawn from the analysis.
1SC-E2. Create a model to predict change.
PO1. (Grades 6-8) Construct a model that demonstrates change within a system.
PO2. (Grades 6-8) Describe variables that cause change
PO3. (Grades 6-8) Explain cause and effect of variables within a system.
1SC-E3. Organize and present data gathered from their own experiences, using appropriate mathematical analyses and graphical representations
PO1. (Grades 6-8) Construct a representation of data
PO2. (Grades 6-8) Interpret patterns in collected data
3SC-E1. Recognize how scientific knowledge, thinking processes and skills are used in a great variety of careers.
PO1. (Grades 6-8) Explain how scientific knowledge, thinking processes and skills are used to solve problems in a variety of careers.
3SC-E3. Identify a specific need and propose a solution or product that addresses this need, taking into consideration various factors
PO1. (Grades 6-8) Design a solution or product that addresses a need and considers the factors of an environment or human problem.
6SC-E5. Explain how earth processes seen today, including erosion, movement of lithospheric plates, and changes in atmospheric composition, are similar to those that occurred in the past.
PO1. (Grades 6-8) Interpret evidence that erosion, plate movement and changes in atmospheric composition as seen today also occurred in the past
W-E6. Write formal communications, such as personal or business letters, messages, directions and applications, in an appropriate format and for a specific audience and purpose.
PO 1. (Grades 6-8) Write a formal communication in an appropriate for a specific audience and purpose.
PO 2. (Grades 6-8) Organize ideas in a meaningful sequence using smooth transitions.
PO 3. (Grades 6-8) Express ideas that are clear and directly related to the topic.