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Earth Science · Changing Earth's Surface

Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition

See how rock breaks down, sediment moves, and material settles. Use measurements from a water-erosion model to explain how Earth's surface changes.

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50 min~12 min prep8 materialsNGSS verified · 4-ESS2-1

Lesson Plan

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Lesson overview

What students will learn

  • Distinguish weathering, erosion, and deposition.
  • Use observations and measurements to explain how flowing water can move sediment.

Key science ideas

  • Weathering breaks rock into smaller pieces.
  • Erosion moves sediment.
  • Deposition happens when moving sediment settles.

Lesson at a glance

  • Grade 4
  • 50 min
  • ~12 min prep
  • 4-ESS2-1
  • 8 materials

What’s included

  • Lesson Plan
  • Investigation
  • Teacher Slides
  • Printable Worksheet
  • Teacher Answer Key
  • Interactive Activity
  • Vocabulary

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