Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the geological processes that shape mountain biking trails and how Earth's forces impact the landscape.

Materials and Prep

Materials: Notebook, pencil

Prep: None

Activities

1. Research the geology of a local mountain biking trail. Note the types of rocks, soil, and any evidence of erosion or weathering.

2. Create a diagram or model to illustrate how different geological processes (e.g. tectonic activity, erosion, weathering) have shaped the terrain of the trail.

3. Go for a mountain biking ride and observe firsthand how the terrain changes due to geological features.

Eighth Grade Talking Points

• Mountains are formed by the movement of Earth's tectonic plates. You can say, "Tectonic plates are like giant puzzle pieces that move and collide, causing the land to rise and form mountains."
• Weathering and erosion play a big role in shaping the trails we ride on. You can say, "Weathering is when rocks and soil are broken down by wind, water, or ice. Erosion is the process of carrying away the broken-down material."
• Mountain biking trails are affected by the water cycle. You can say, "The water cycle includes processes like precipitation, runoff, and infiltration, which can impact the trail's surface and features."