Activity Overview
Weathering can be split up into three types: physical, biological, and chemical weathering. It is the breaking of larger rocks into smaller pieces. Erosion is the movement of these smaller pieces of rock. In this activity, students will create a spider map that provides examples of how rocks are weathered or eroded. Students should be sure to include illustrations with their definitions.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Identify and describe five ways rocks can be weathered in a spider map storyboard.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify five ways rocks can be weathered and write the processes as the titles of the cells.
- Find an image using Photos for Class to represent each type of weathering.
- Alternatively, use a series of scenes, shapes, characters, and props to create a Storyboard That visualization.
- Write a description of each type of weathering in the description box underneath the cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification | Five different ways rocks can be weathered have been correctly identified. | At least four different ways rocks can be weathered have been correctly identified. | At least three different ways rocks can be weathered have been correctly identified. |
| Images | Every type of weathering method has a correct, clear, and appropriate picture. | Every type of weathering method has a picture, but some of them are not clear or appropriate for the term. | Not every type of weathering method type has an image. |
| Description | Every type of weathering method identified has a correct and clear description. | Every type of weathering method identified has a description, but some are confused and not entirely correct. | Not every type of weathering method has a description or most of the descriptions are incorrect. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
Weathering can be split up into three types: physical, biological, and chemical weathering. It is the breaking of larger rocks into smaller pieces. Erosion is the movement of these smaller pieces of rock. In this activity, students will create a spider map that provides examples of how rocks are weathered or eroded. Students should be sure to include illustrations with their definitions.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Identify and describe five ways rocks can be weathered in a spider map storyboard.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify five ways rocks can be weathered and write the processes as the titles of the cells.
- Find an image using Photos for Class to represent each type of weathering.
- Alternatively, use a series of scenes, shapes, characters, and props to create a Storyboard That visualization.
- Write a description of each type of weathering in the description box underneath the cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification | Five different ways rocks can be weathered have been correctly identified. | At least four different ways rocks can be weathered have been correctly identified. | At least three different ways rocks can be weathered have been correctly identified. |
| Images | Every type of weathering method has a correct, clear, and appropriate picture. | Every type of weathering method has a picture, but some of them are not clear or appropriate for the term. | Not every type of weathering method type has an image. |
| Description | Every type of weathering method identified has a correct and clear description. | Every type of weathering method identified has a description, but some are confused and not entirely correct. | Not every type of weathering method has a description or most of the descriptions are incorrect. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Physical, Biological, and Chemical Weathering
How to design a hands-on weathering experiment for your classroom
Give students a memorable learning experience by setting up a simple weathering experiment with everyday materials. Hands-on activities help solidify concepts by letting students see weathering in action.
Gather common materials to demonstrate weathering
Collect items like sugar cubes, chalk, small rocks, vinegar, water, and sandpaper. These household items are safe and easy to use, and they model different weathering types.
Set up observation stations for each weathering type
Organize your classroom into stations that focus on physical, chemical, and biological weathering. This encourages movement and targeted observations among students.
Guide students to perform and record each weathering process
Ask students to use water to dissolve chalk (chemical), rub rocks with sandpaper (physical), and press plant roots against clay (biological). Encourage detailed notes and sketches to capture changes.
Facilitate a group discussion to analyze results
Lead a class discussion about their findings. Connect their observations to real-world examples of weathering, reinforcing key science concepts with student discoveries.
Frequently Asked Questions about Physical, Biological, and Chemical Weathering
What are the three main types of weathering?
The three main types of weathering are physical weathering, biological weathering, and chemical weathering. Each type breaks down rocks in different ways, helping shape Earth's surface.
How can I teach students the difference between weathering and erosion?
Explain that weathering is the process of breaking rocks into smaller pieces, while erosion is the movement of those pieces by wind, water, or ice. Use diagrams, hands-on activities, or a spider map to help students visualize the difference.
What is a spider map and how is it used in rock weathering lessons?
A spider map is a graphic organizer with a central idea and branches for related concepts. In rock weathering lessons, students can use a spider map to show examples of different weathering types, add images, and write definitions.
Can you give examples of physical, biological, and chemical weathering for my class?
Yes! Physical weathering: rocks breaking apart from freezing water. Biological weathering: plant roots growing into rocks. Chemical weathering: acid rain dissolving minerals in rocks.
What are some easy activities to help students understand weathering processes?
Try activities like making a spider map, showing how ice breaks rocks in a freezer experiment, or modeling erosion with sand and water. Using visuals and hands-on tasks helps students grasp weathering concepts quickly.
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