Geographic Alliance of Iowa

Erosion

Overview: This lesson demonstrates the effects erosion can have on top soil.
This lesson also demonstrates some of the steps that can be taken to help curb erosion of the soil.

Geographic Themes: Human/Environment Interaction, Place, Movement

Procedure:

1) Show students the two different types of erosion, by putting some of the dirt in the box lid and some more in the paint tray. In the box spread the dirt out and using the blow dryer at a low speed blow across the top of the dirt. Have the students take note of the amount of dirt that has blown away. Then mound the dirt in the paint tray so it represents a hill. Pour a little water over the top of the mound of soil. Then spread it out a little and have the students watch to see how much run off there is.

2) Place students into groups of three and give each group either a box lid with dirt or a paint tray. Tell them that they are soil conservationists and have been hired to solve the erosion problem. Give them the depressors, toothpicks, and pipe cleaners and let them go to work. Also tell them when they are done they have to write a paper and give an oral report showing what they have done.

3) After they have worked on the soil (use your own judgment on time) let the students prepare their reports. Have the students present their solutions to the class. After every group has presented their findings test each groups model to see if it really works.