Weathering
Learning Targets
Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes (events that shape the Earth’s surface) have changed Earth’s surface at varying times.
Success Criteria
I can:
Identify types of weathering
Explain what causes weathering
Describe how weathering changes the surface of the Earth
What is Weathering?
Based on what you observed in the introduction pictures, what do you think would be a good definition of Weathering?
Work with your team to come up with a definition that you think will best describe the effects that you saw. We'll come back to this definition later.
3 Weathering Experiments
To learn more about the forces that cause changes to the Earth's surface, we will conduct three experiments that simulate the different weathering processes.
Click me for the Experiments!
With your lab team...
Discuss your experiences with the experiments
What was your hypothesis?
What actually happened?
How were the experiments similar and different?
Going Further...
Create a group definition that works for all kinds of weathering.
Questions to Ponder
Can you describe something near where you live that has been weathered? What kind of weathering has it been shaped by?
How would you stop weathering from happening to something that is valuable?
Weathering Gizmo
Learning Targets
Observe the the ways that rocks are changed as they are broken down by various forces.
Success Criteria
Develop an understanding of the forces that break down rocks.
Tell the difference between mechanical and chemical weathering.
Understand the time scales involved in the weathering of rocks.
Weathering is the breakdown of rock at Earth's surface through physical or chemical means. In this Gizmo you will learn about the different types of weathering, then use a simulation to model the effects of weathering on different types of rocks in varying climate conditions.
Click Here for the Assignment
Back to Your Definition of Weathering...
Based on what you observed in the experiment, would you add anything to your definition of Weathering?
Look back at your definition and make any changes that you want.
Hoodoos and Goblins
Hoodoos (sometimes called Goblins) are some of nature’s most fascinating rock formations. They are formed by wind over the course of millions of years.
The following articles explain what hoodoos are and describes a controversy over the destruction of one.
Click me to read the articles!
MS-ESS2-2 Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth’s surface at varying time and spatial scales.
Weathering questions and CER
Interpret a graph and explain the causes of weathering.
