Soil Unit Part 1: Weathering
$19.99
omplete Earth Science Unit: Weathering, Erosion, Soil Science & Glaciers
Grade Level: 5th–7th
This interactive and engaging Earth Science unit includes six 50-minute lessons with a 14-page work bundle designed for both in-class and digital learning. The unit follows a chronological, highly visual slideshow that integrates fill-in notes (red slides), videos, academic links, hands-on activities, games, puzzles, and assessments.
Key Concepts & Lesson Breakdown:
1. Weathering – Breaking Down Rocks & Soil Formation
Engaging chalk activity: Students break down chalk into dust to introduce soil formation.
Mechanical weathering: Ice wedging, root wedging, wind abrasion, animal activity, human impact, and more, with real-world examples like the Old Man of the Mountain in New Hampshire.
Chemical weathering: Students etch hieroglyphics on chalk and use vinegar to observe chemical weathering, linking to Cleopatra’s Needles in NYC.
Stalactites & stalagmites formation through a simple Epsom salt and yarn experiment.
2. Erosion & Deposition – Forces That Shape the Earth
Clear visuals and real-world examples of mass movement, coastal erosion, and material transport.
Video demonstrations and Bigfoot-themed soil creep investigation.
Sinkholes, landslides, and mudslides explored through case studies and engaging video links.
3. Soil Science – Composition & Properties
Hands-on activities examining soil color, texture, porosity, permeability, and layers (horizons).
Comparison of Earth vs. Mars to explore the role of weathering in planetary geology.
The interaction between mechanical & chemical weathering explained through interactive slides.
4. Soil Conservation – Protecting Our Most Vital Resource
Historical exploration of the Dust Bowl and its impact on agriculture.
Sustainable soil conservation techniques such as crop rotation, terracing, and contour plowing.
5. Ice Ages & Glaciers – Earth’s Frozen History
Types of glaciers, glacial landforms, and past Ice Ages examined through visuals and real-world examples.
Discussion of paleoecology and how glaciers have shaped Earth's landscapes over time.
Engaging Activities & Assessments:
Weathering Field Trip – Students explore their school environment to identify real-life examples of weathering.
Alka-Seltzer Experiment – Demonstrates how surface area affects the rate of chemical reactions.
Interactive Visual Quiz & Hidden Box Games – Reinforce learning through engaging review activities.
125+ Slide PowerPoint Review Game – Ideal for group work, featuring built-in questions, answers, and teacher-guided discussions.
Perfect for Teachers Looking to Teach:
This comprehensive Earth Science unit is designed for 5th–7th grade classrooms and seamlessly integrates with Google Classroom for digital learning. It provides a structured yet engaging way to teach weathering, erosion, deposition, soil science, soil conservation, ice ages, and glaciers through hands-on activities, interactive slideshows, real-world case studies, and gamified assessments. Whether you're teaching in-person or remotely, this bundle makes lesson planning efficient, engaging, and effective!
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