Forces That Shape the Earth: Wind, Water and Erosion

Summary
This lesson introduces the concepts of weathering and erosion, differentiates between the two, and provides an overview of the various forces involved in both.

Objectives
• The student will be able to differentiate between weathering and erosion.

• The student will be able to describe at least one form of weathering.

• The student will be able to describe at least two forces of erosion.

• The student will be able to describe how weathering and erosion changes the surface of the earth.

Suggested Grades
4th Grade
5th Grade
6th Grade

Excerpt
The earth is in a constant state of motion, both as a planet in the solar system and as a body of interactive systems. Many of these systems create forces that change the face of the planet. The term weathering refers to any force that breaks down rocks and other objects in nature into smaller pieces. Erosion refers to the movement of the parts that were broken off through the weathering process.

The Origin of Sand

Have you ever looked at the patterns in the sand as you walked along a streambed or on the beach? They are evidence of other forces at work. These ridges and dips in the sand are most likely caused by either moving water or wind.

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