Online Learning Activities
Erosion: A Dirtmeister’s Science Reporter Activity
How does erosion change our earth? Students find out with this four-step activity hosted by the “Dirtmeister,” geologist Steve Tomecek.
- Grades: 3–5, 6–8
In the “Erosion” activity (grades 3–6), part of Scholastic’s Dirtmeister series, students get “down and dirty” exploring the forces of erosion and how it changes our earth. With the help of science expert Steve Tomecek (the "Dirtmeister"), students investigate one way that erosion shapes their neighborhood and then write about it – all while learning to ask scientific questions, communicate their observations, and construct explanations of natural phenomena.
The four-step activity includes:
- Investigate the Facts: Students learn how erosion occurs through “weathering.”
- Observe & Record: Students come up with one way that erosion affects the earth in their area. Then, they write answers to five questions, including: What agent or force is causing the erosion?
- Report Your Findings: Next, students evolve their writing into a complete report.
- Read Sample Reports: For inspiration, students can read five examples of what other students reported on erosion – each about a paragraph long.
Learning Objectives
While participating in the "Erosion" activity, students will:
- Explore, observe, and describe the world around them
- Understand how forces control events in our world
- Investigate materials, organisms, and properties of common objects
- Construct explanations of natural and man-made phenomena
- Develop the ability to ask scientific questions, investigate aspects of the world around them, and use their observations to construct reasonable explanations for the questions posed
- Ask questions about objects, organisms, and events in the environment
- Use data to construct a reasonable explanation
- Communicate their ideas to others
- Develop their science knowledge
- Learn through the inquiry process how to communicate their own investigation
Related Resources
- Subjects:Evolution, Animal Survival and Adaptation
- Skills:Research Skills
