Ever wondered why the Grand Canyon is so grand? Or why some valleys are U-shaped rather than V-shaped? It’s all about WED: Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition.
My Landforms Quest
Over the last 10ish years, I’ve set out on a personal quest to explore all different types of landforms, and let me tell you, these adventures have radically transformed the way I design science activities. I’ve learned that the Grand Canyon (pictured above) really is that massive and compared it to smaller canyons like Fay Canyon in Sedona and Waimea Canyon on Kaua’i!
Ready to get into it? Here are my favorite teaching ideas for landforms.
Deltas
Deltas form where rivers meet larger bodies of water like oceans or seas. As the river slows down, it drops off the sediments.
Over time, these dropped-off bits (mainly silt, sand, and clay) build up and create the flat, often triangular landform we call a delta.
Agent of change: water
Primary process: deposition
Try these teaching tools:
“I LOVE using these slides by Science Penguin! The slides are always easy for students to follow along with and not overwhelming with information. It led to some great conversations with my students about how landforms are created.” -Kaitlyn
Landforms Test Prep Task Cards
“We used this resource to review for state testing, and I was very impressed by the level of rigor these task cards had. They were very helpful in engaging students in a discussion rather than just quickly selecting an answer.” -Stephanie
Sand Dunes
When wind blows across loose sand, it pushes the grains along until they hit an obstacle or simply can’t go any further. These tiny grains of sand accumulate, forming the wavy hills of sand we know as dunes.
Agent of change: wind
Primary process: deposition
Here are some teaching tools I love:
Model the formation of a sand dune. Identify the uses of the materials AND benefits and limitations of the model.
Desert Landforms Article and Questions
Let’s read to learn! This 2-page science article describes desert landforms including arches, mesa, buttes, plains, pedestals, and sand dunes. Follow up with the included comprehension questions!
Canyons
It’s primarily rivers that create canyons, cutting through rock over time, while rain helps by triggering erosion and wind sculpts the edges. Also known as a V-shaped valley!
Agent of change: water (and wind)
Primary processes: weathering and erosion
Try these teaching tools:
You can set up a cool demo over a few hours using a salt lick and something that will allow water to drip. I used a water cooler that was just slightly open allowing a slow drip. I’ve heard of some teachers using an IV!
“98% of my students can describe physical features of canyons and how they are formed, how sedimentary rocks are formed, and different types. We are about to move into fossil fuels, and I feel like they have such a strong foundation going into this, more so than in the past, so the Grand Canyon lesson is definitely two thumbs up.” -Maddie, 5th Grade Teacher
U-shaped Valleys
U-shaped valleys are crafted by glaciers. As glaciers move downhill, they scrape and gouge out the valley sides.
Over time, this process carves out a broad, U-shaped valley.
Agent of change: ice
Primary processes: weathering and erosion
You might like these teaching tools:
How Do Glaciers Change Earth’s Surface Digital Inquiry
“Excellent resource! I loved that the students used multiple sources to learn about Glaciers! I really love these digital inquiry lessons!” -Katherine
Comparing U-Shaped Valleys and Canyons
I have found that many students benefit from support in a positive small group setting where they are free to ask questions and where I can address misconceptions. The activities are specifically designed to quickly improve vocabulary and content knowledge related directly to the Student Expectation from the TEKS.
Mountains
Mountains form when tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface push against each other until the ground is forced upward.
Weathering, erosion, and deposition shape their features over time.
You might like these teaching tools:
Do your students like to choose how they learn? If so, they will love the Mountains Digital Choice Menu Board. This activity focuses on the different types of mountains and how they are formed.
“WOW! This was everything I hoped it would be and more. Everything was fantastic and my class and I enjoyed using this and discussing it. It was the perfect resource for our Landform Unit!” -Amie
Comprehensive Activities
Quick Wins
