In a container, teachers are able to demonstrate what erosion looks like using water, soil, sand and other substrate. 

Materials:

• A deep pan or tub

• Soil or potting mix

• A plastic or paper cup

• Scissors

• Water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Landscape:

   • Fill the pan halfway with soil or potting mix.

   • Create a slope in the soil, with one end higher than the other.

   • Add small features to your landscape, such as hills, valleys, or cliffs.

2. Create the Water Source:

   • Poke a small hole in the bottom of the cup.

   • Fill the cup with water.

3. Observe Erosion:

   • Place the cup at the highest point of the slope.

   • Slowly pour the water from the cup onto the soil.

   • Observe how the water flows downhill and erodes the soil.

Questions to Consider:

• What happens to the eroded soil? Where does it go?

• How can you reduce the amount of erosion in your landscape?

• What are some real-world examples of erosion?

Additional Experiment Ideas:

• Different Soil Types: Experiment with different types of soil, such as clay, sand, and loam. How does the type of soil affect the rate of erosion?

• Vegetation: Add vegetation, such as grass or small plants, to your landscape. How does vegetation affect erosion?

• Water Flow Rate: Experiment with different water flow rates. How does the speed of the water affect the amount of erosion?