Science Concepts:
Categorize and observe igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks
Understand erosion,deposition, and weathering and how weather patterns can affect these as demonstrated in a model
Estimated Time: 4-5 class periods
Students will investigate igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks and sand as they use this to springboard into the activities to simulate and study erosion, deposition and weathering.
Part 1: Students will compare and observe igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks and then compare these to the three sand types. Students will begin to make wonderings about how the sand is formed.
Part 2: The students will create a beach scene and simulating waves. This simulation will also show the effects of water erosion with sand.
Part 3: Students will use text to further their study of erosion and make new wonderings about the topic
Part 4: Students will use pictures of the United States coastline to study how erosion and wave height are impacting the coast. This information will then be used to make changes to their simulations
Part 5: Using data from both simulations, the students will describe the impact wave height has on coastal erosion.
Part 6: This lesson can be extended to use a NASA video of changes over time and have students study these changes and make conclusions about erosion and depostion.