Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the concept of erosion and its impact on the environment.

Materials and Prep

• Outdoor space such as a backyard or park
• Pen and paper
• Access to the internet for research (optional)

No prior knowledge is required for this lesson.

Activities

1. Take a nature walk in your outdoor space and observe the different landforms and soil types.

Take note of any visible signs of erosion such as exposed roots, gullies, or sediment deposits.

2. Collect soil samples from different areas and examine them for texture and composition.

Use your observations to identify the potential causes of erosion in each area.

3. Research online or in books to learn more about the impact of erosion on the environment and human activities.

Write down at least three examples of how erosion affects our daily lives.

Seventh Grade Talking Points

• Erosion is the process of wearing away or carrying off of the land's surface by natural forces such as water, wind, and ice.

"Imagine a river carving through rocks over time, creating a canyon. That's erosion at work!"

• Erosion can lead to the formation of different landforms like valleys, cliffs, and beaches.

"Next time you're at the beach, think about how the waves erode the shore and create sandy beaches."

• Erosion can have both positive and negative impacts on the environment and human activities.

"Farmers need to be mindful of erosion, as it can wash away valuable topsoil needed for growing crops."