Weathering can be split up into three types: physical, biological, and chemical weathering. It is the breaking of larger rocks into smaller pieces. Erosion is the movement of these smaller pieces of rock. In this activity, students will create a spider map that provides examples of how rocks are weathered or eroded. Students should be sure to include illustrations with their definitions.
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Student Instructions
Identify and describe five ways rocks can be weathered in a spider map storyboard.
Give students a memorable learning experience by setting up a simple weathering experiment with everyday materials. Hands-on activities help solidify concepts by letting students see weathering in action.
Collect items like sugar cubes, chalk, small rocks, vinegar, water, and sandpaper. These household items are safe and easy to use, and they model different weathering types.
Organize your classroom into stations that focus on physical, chemical, and biological weathering. This encourages movement and targeted observations among students.
Ask students to use water to dissolve chalk (chemical), rub rocks with sandpaper (physical), and press plant roots against clay (biological). Encourage detailed notes and sketches to capture changes.
Lead a class discussion about their findings. Connect their observations to real-world examples of weathering, reinforcing key science concepts with student discoveries.
The three main types of weathering are physical weathering, biological weathering, and chemical weathering. Each type breaks down rocks in different ways, helping shape Earth's surface.
Explain that weathering is the process of breaking rocks into smaller pieces, while erosion is the movement of those pieces by wind, water, or ice. Use diagrams, hands-on activities, or a spider map to help students visualize the difference.
A spider map is a graphic organizer with a central idea and branches for related concepts. In rock weathering lessons, students can use a spider map to show examples of different weathering types, add images, and write definitions.
Yes! Physical weathering: rocks breaking apart from freezing water. Biological weathering: plant roots growing into rocks. Chemical weathering: acid rain dissolving minerals in rocks.
Try activities like making a spider map, showing how ice breaks rocks in a freezer experiment, or modeling erosion with sand and water. Using visuals and hands-on tasks helps students grasp weathering concepts quickly.