A lesson plan for teaching third graders about the erosion of materials

 

 Subject: Science

Grade Level: 3

Topic: Erosion of Materials

Learning Objectives:

• Students will be able to define the term "erosion."
• Students will be able to identify the different types of erosion.
• Students will be able to explain how erosion affects the Earth's surface.

Materials:

• Whiteboard or projector
• Markers or pens
• Pictures of different types of erosion
• Sand, water, and a variety of containers (optional)

Procedure:

1. Begin by asking students what they know about erosion. What are some examples of erosion? How does erosion happen?
2. Write the term "erosion" on the whiteboard or projector. Explain to students that erosion is the process of materials being worn away by natural forces. Erosion can be caused by wind, water, ice, and gravity.
3. Show students pictures of different types of erosion, such as wind erosion, water erosion, and ice erosion. Explain how each type of erosion occurs.
4. Have students brainstorm a list of the different materials that can be eroded. For example, soil, rock, and sand can all be eroded.
5. Explain to students that erosion can have a significant impact on the Earth's surface. Erosion can create new landforms, such as valleys and mountains. Erosion can also destroy landforms, such as beaches and riverbeds.
6. If possible, conduct an experiment to demonstrate erosion. For example, you could put sand in a variety of containers and then pour water over the sand. Observe how the water erodes the sand in different ways.
7. Conclude the lesson by asking students to write a paragraph about what they learned about erosion.

Assessment:

• Observe students' participation in class discussion.
• Check students' understanding of erosion by asking them questions.
• Collect students' paragraphs (optional).

Differentiation:

• For students who are struggling, provide them with more examples of erosion.
• For students who are ahead, challenge them to research a specific type of erosion and present their findings to the class.

Extensions:

• Have students create a model of a landform that has been created by erosion.
• Take students on a field trip to a place where erosion is happening.
• Have students write a poem or song about erosion.