Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will understand the basic concepts of earth changes, including erosion, weathering, and how natural events like earthquakes and volcanoes shape our planet. The student will also explore how these changes can affect the environment and living things.

Materials and Prep

• Paper
• Colored pencils or crayons
• A small container of water
• A few small rocks or pebbles
• A spoon
• A timer (optional)

Before starting the lesson, make sure to explain to the student what earth changes are and give them a brief overview of different types of changes. Encourage them to think about examples they might have seen in nature.

Activities

• Erosion Experiment:

  Using the small container of water and the rocks, the student will create a mini landscape. They will slowly pour water over the rocks to observe how water can change the shape of the rocks over time, simulating erosion. Discuss what happens to the rocks and the ground.

• Weathering Art:

  The student will use paper and colored pencils or crayons to draw a landscape before and after weathering. They can create a drawing of a mountain and then another drawing showing how it might look after years of wind and rain. This activity helps them visualize the concept of weathering.

• Earthquake Shake:

  Have the student create a small model of a building using paper. Then, they will gently shake the table or surface to simulate an earthquake. Discuss how buildings can be affected by earthquakes and what engineers do to make them safer.

• Volcano in a Cup:

  Using the container and a few materials they can find around the house (like baking soda and vinegar), create a simple volcano. This fun activity will demonstrate how volcanic eruptions happen and the changes they can cause to the landscape.

Talking Points

• "What do you think happens to rocks when water flows over them for a long time?"
• "Can you draw a picture of a mountain? Now, what do you think it would look like after a big storm?"
• "When we shake the table, it’s like making an earthquake! How do you think that affects buildings?"
• "Did you know that volcanoes can change the land too? What do you think happens when they erupt?"
• "Why do you think it’s important to learn about earth changes? How do they affect plants and animals?"
• "What are some examples of earth changes you have seen in your own neighborhood?"
• "How do you think people can help protect the earth from changes that are too fast or dangerous?"