Power of Erosion
Grade: 4th
Lesson Series Overview
During the 2016 floods, a large amount of sediment was deposited in the San Lorenzo River. Students will explore what caused this increase in sediment using stream tables to make observations of how erosion is caused by the flow of water and how humans increase the rate of erosion. During a field trip to the San Lorenzo River, students will collect sediment samples and test turbidity levels to learn more about the effects of erosion. Students will analyze and interpret local geology maps to determine where the sediment came from. Students will elaborate on their knowledge of erosion to identify techniques that will reduce erosion and work together to design a solution to reduce the effects of erosion on the San Lorenzo River.
Supports Next Generation Science Standards:
4-ESS2-1. Make observations and/or measurements to provide evidence of the effects of weathering or the rate of erosion by water, ice, wind, or vegetation.
4-ESS2-2.Analyze and interpret data from maps to describe patterns of Earth’s features.
4-ESS3-2. Generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the impacts of natural Earth processes on humans.
Complements FOSS Kit
Grade 4: Soil, Rocks and Landforms
Lesson Series Materials
Students will be guided through a variety of hands-on activities, observations, writing and drawing assignments, and gain content knowledge by watching brief videos. Lesson activities are shared in hyperdocs which are documents that include instructions and links to the activities. Each of the seven lessons has their own individual hyperdoc which can be accessed from the below Teacher Lesson Overview Hyperdoc. You will also find supporting documents below as well.
Teacher Guide
Student Journal (Fillable PDF)
Unstable Stream Bank Images
Stable Stream Bank Images
Erosion Control Techniques Student Reader
Audio of Mesh Fabric Text from Erosion Control Techniques Student Reader
Audio for Tree Stump and Roots text of Erosion Control Techniques Student Reader
Audio for Trees and Shrubs text of Erosion Control Techniques Student Reader
Watershed Ranger Certificate
Schedule “The Power of Erosion”
If you are interested in scheduling the “Power of Erosion” lesson series and the optional River Health Day, please use the below registration form. Please contact Mollie Behn, Education Coordinator, with any questions at mbehn@coastal-watershed.org.