Erosion Prevention Challenge: Design Solutions to Protect Our Land
Created byKelsey Pettus
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Erosion Prevention Challenge: Design Solutions to Protect Our Land

Grade 2Science15 days
★★★★★
5.0 (1 rating)
In this project, second-grade students become scientists and engineers to tackle the problem of soil erosion. They design and build landscape models, experimenting with various materials and design strategies to prevent water runoff from eroding the soil. Students observe real-world erosion, test different materials for erosion resistance, and analyze the effectiveness of their landscape models in preventing soil loss, fostering an understanding of Earth science and engineering design.
ErosionSoil ErosionLandscape ModelWater RunoffPreventionExperimentationEarth Science
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design and build a landscape model that effectively prevents soil erosion from water runoff, considering different materials and design strategies?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How does water change the shape of the land?
  • What are some ways to slow down or stop water from eroding soil?
  • What materials work best to prevent erosion?
  • How can we design a landscape to resist erosion?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Understand the causes and effects of soil erosion.
  • Design and test different methods to prevent soil erosion on a model landscape.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of various materials in preventing soil erosion.
  • Collaborate to build a landscape model that minimizes soil erosion from water runoff.

NGSS

2-ESS1-1
Primary
Use information from several sources to provide evidence that Earth events can occur rapidly or slowly.Reason: This standard introduces the concept of Earth events and the rate at which they occur, which is fundamental to understanding erosion.
2-ESS2-1
Primary
Compare multiple solutions designed to slow or prevent wind or water from changing the shape of the land.Reason: Directly related to the project's focus on designing solutions for erosion prevention.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Time-Lapse Trouble

Show a sped-up time-lapse video of a landscape rapidly eroding. Challenge students to identify the problem and brainstorm solutions to 'rewind' the damage.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Erosion Observation Expedition

Students observe different environments (schoolyard, local park) to identify signs of erosion and its effects.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Go on a guided walk around the schoolyard or a nearby park.
2. Look for areas where soil is visibly displaced or washed away.
3. Take pictures or draw sketches of the observed erosion.
4. Collect small samples of eroded soil (if allowed and safe).

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA visual journal with photos/sketches and descriptions of observed erosion, including location and possible causes.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses 2-ESS1-1 by providing evidence of Earth events (erosion) occurring at varying rates (rapid after rain, slow over time).
Activity 2

Material Matters: Erosion Resistance Challenge

Students investigate different materials to determine their effectiveness in preventing soil erosion.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Gather a variety of materials (e.g., sand, gravel, mulch, grass, rocks).
2. Set up small containers with soil and cover each with a different material.
3. Pour water over each container and observe how well the material prevents soil from washing away.
4. Record observations in a table, noting the effectiveness of each material.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA data table ranking materials based on their erosion resistance, with a written explanation of the results.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses 2-ESS2-1 by comparing multiple solutions (different materials) designed to slow or prevent water from changing the shape of the land.
Activity 3

The Great Water Test: Erosion Challenge

Students test their landscape models by simulating rainfall and observing the amount of erosion that occurs.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Set up the landscape model on a tray or in a container to catch runoff.
2. Use a watering can or spray bottle to simulate rainfall over the model.
3. Observe and measure the amount of soil erosion that occurs (e.g., by collecting runoff water and measuring sediment).
4. Record observations and measurements in a data table.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA data table with measurements of soil erosion on their landscape model, along with a written analysis of the model's effectiveness.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses 2-ESS1-1 and 2-ESS2-1 by providing evidence of Earth events (erosion) and comparing solutions designed to prevent it.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Erosion Prevention Challenge Rubric

Category 1

Scientific Understanding

Assesses understanding of the causes and effects of erosion and knowledge of materials that can prevent it.
Criterion 1

Understanding Erosion Concepts

Evaluates the student's comprehension of how erosion occurs and its impact on the environment.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates a thorough understanding of erosion, including multiple causes and effects, and connects understanding to real-world scenarios.

Proficient
3 Points

Shows a good understanding of erosion and its effects, with some connection to real-world examples.

Developing
2 Points

Shows basic understanding of erosion, but with limited explanation of causes and effects.

Beginning
1 Points

Demonstrates minimal understanding of erosion, with incorrect or incomplete explanations.

Criterion 2

Materials Knowledge

Measures understanding of different materials' effectiveness in preventing soil erosion.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates detailed knowledge of a wide range of materials and effectively explains how they prevent erosion.

Proficient
3 Points

Shows solid knowledge of various materials and explains their effectiveness in preventing erosion.

Developing
2 Points

Shows partial knowledge of materials, with inconsistent reasoning for their effectiveness.

Beginning
1 Points

Demonstrates limited knowledge of materials, with incorrect or incomplete explanations.

Category 2

Scientific Investigation

Evaluates the design and execution of experiments to test erosion prevention methods.
Criterion 1

Experiment Design and Execution

Assesses the ability to design, set up, and conduct experiments to test erosion prevention strategies.

Exemplary
4 Points

Designs and conducts experiments with clear, innovative strategies that effectively test erosion prevention methods.

Proficient
3 Points

Designs and conducts experiments effectively, with minor issues in setup or execution.

Developing
2 Points

Designs simple experiments but with noticeable issues in execution and strategy.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to design and execute experiments, with major issues in strategy and execution.

Criterion 2

Data Collection and Analysis

Measures the ability to accurately collect and analyze data from experiments.

Exemplary
4 Points

Collects comprehensive data accurately and analyzes it to draw insightful conclusions.

Proficient
3 Points

Collects accurate data and provides a reasonable analysis with logical conclusions.

Developing
2 Points

Collects some accurate data but struggles to analyze or draw clear conclusions.

Beginning
1 Points

Has difficulty collecting data correctly or analyzing it meaningfully.

Category 3

Collaboration and Communication

Assesses teamwork and the ability to communicate findings effectively.
Criterion 1

Team Collaboration

Evaluates participation and contribution to group activities and discussions.

Exemplary
4 Points

Leads collaborative efforts, encourages participation, and respects group dynamics.

Proficient
3 Points

Actively participates in group efforts and communicates well with team members.

Developing
2 Points

Participates in group activities, but with limited communication or contribution.

Beginning
1 Points

Seldom participates in group activities and does not effectively communicate with peers.

Criterion 2

Presentation of Findings

Evaluates the clarity and effectiveness of presenting the final product and conclusions.

Exemplary
4 Points

Presents findings clearly and persuasively, with detailed explanations and strong argumentation.

Proficient
3 Points

Presents findings clearly with appropriate details and understandable explanations.

Developing
2 Points

Presents general findings but lacks clarity or sufficient detail.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to present findings clearly or coherently, with little detail or explanation.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

What was the most surprising thing you learned about erosion during this project?

Text
Required
Question 2

Which material worked best to prevent erosion in your tests, and why do you think it was so effective?

Text
Required
Question 3

If you could redesign your landscape model, what is one thing you would change to make it even better at preventing erosion?

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Required
Question 4

How well did your team work together on this project?

Scale
Required
Question 5

Did you enjoy learning about erosion through hands-on activities and experiments?

Multiple choice
Required
Options
Yes, it was fun and engaging
It was okay, but I prefer other ways of learning
No, I didn't enjoy it very much