NAME: ____________________

Soil and Erosion Worksheet #1

Use the Internet to find answers to the following questions.

The sites below may help:

• http://LTPwww.gsfc.nasa.gov/globe/index.htm
• http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/education/
• http://soils.usda.gov/
• http://wwwga.usgs.gov/edu/urbansed.html

*ATTENTION:

Write the URL where you found the answer.

How long does it take one inch of soil to form? Why?

URL:

How much usable soil is there compared to the surface of the Earth? [Hint: Work your way through the pages comparing the earth to an apple.]

URL:

What are the three primary types of erosion that farmers must deal with?

URL:

Soil can be eroded in a very short time (minutes in the case of high winds, floods, etc.). Describe at least four ways farmers prevent erosion in their fields.

URL:

Describe the formation of the Grand Canyon. Be complete in your description.

URL:

How long do geologists think it took to form the Grand Canyon? Why?

URL:

Define the term “soil degradation”.

URL:

What effects can soil degradation have on agriculture and water quality?

URL:

PROJECT HANDOUT

NAME: ____________________

Soil and Erosion-- Model Project

Think about situations where erosion may occur. Sometimes erosion is destructive, as when a farmer's field is blown/washed away or a beach erodes, taking houses with it. Sometimes erosion creates beautiful landscapes as in the Grand Canyon, Canyonlands National Parks and Arches National Park. Fertile river valleys often result from the deposition of eroded materials.

Assignment:

Build a two-part model. In the first part of the model show a situation in which erosion is an issue. This may be before/after erosion or before/after human involvement. The second part of the model will show a change in the situation. Both sections may include the effectiveness (or lack of effectiveness) of erosion prevention methods.

For example:

Part one model shows a gullied hillside. Part two shows the same hillside after trees have been planted.

Use the concepts learned from your investigation of different web sites (Worksheet #1) to support the accuracy of your two-part model.

Project Grading:

Statement of Model

The Model

Present your models to the class. Explain the situation you have chosen to model and how your models show the before and after situations.

Conclusions:
Erosion is a common part of the changing of the Earth’s surface. Erosion happens in many different ways resulting in many varied situations.

Assessments:

Utilize the rubric to grade the projects. It might be best to have the students grade each other’s projects. The rubric is clear and easy to follow.

Reflections:
Share your thoughts on this lesson with the NTEN team.

Please send an e-mail to Patti Harrison.

Extensions: Take students on a short hike in the area around the school noting instances of erosion that the students see in the area.