Erosion Prevention Planners: Save Our Hillsides!
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as young engineers, design and test different structures to protect our school's hillside from the damaging effects of erosion, considering the various materials and methods available, and ensuring our solution is both effective and sustainable?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can we design a structure to protect land from erosion?
- What causes erosion and how does it change the land?
- What are the different ways to prevent erosion?
- How do different materials affect the amount of erosion?
- How can we test our designs to see which works best?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to define erosion and explain its effects on the land.
- Students will be able to design and build a structure to prevent soil erosion.
- Students will be able to test their designs and analyze the data to determine effectiveness.
- Students will be able to compare different erosion prevention methods and explain their strengths and weaknesses.
- Students will be able to communicate their findings and justify their design choices.
Next Generation Science Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Disappearing Beach
Show students a time-lapse video of a local beach or coastline disappearing due to erosion. Ask them to brainstorm what's happening and why it matters to the community, connecting to their personal experiences with beaches or other natural areas.The Great Flood of Cardboard City
Create a miniature "city" out of cardboard boxes and simulate a heavy rainstorm or flood. Observe the effects of erosion on the city's structures and landscape, prompting students to think about real-world consequences and potential solutions.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Erosion Explorers: What is Erosion?
Students begin by exploring the concept of erosion through observation and research. They will learn to define erosion, identify its causes, and observe its effects on different landscapes.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA class chart defining erosion and listing its primary causes, accompanied by student-drawn examples of erosion in different environments.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 1 (Students will be able to define erosion and explain its effects on the land.) and DCI ESS2.A-P1 (Wind and water can change the shape of the land.)Problem Solvers: Identifying Erosion Issues
Students identify specific erosion problems and formulate questions about how to solve them. This activity emphasizes problem-solving and inquiry skills.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA problem statement that identifies the targeted erosion issue and a list of questions guiding the design of erosion prevention solutions.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 2 (Students will be able to design and build a structure to prevent soil erosion.) and K–2-ETS1-1 (Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem)Blueprint Builders: Designing Erosion Solutions
Students will design and draw a blueprint for a structure to prevent soil erosion on a model hillside.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed blueprint of an erosion prevention structure, including labeled materials and a written explanation of its function.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 2 (Students will be able to design and build a structure to prevent soil erosion.) and K–2-ETS1-2 (Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function)Erosion Engineers: Building and Testing
Students will construct their erosion prevention structures and test their effectiveness using a model hillside.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA physical model of the erosion prevention structure, data collected during testing (e.g., amount of soil eroded with and without the structure), and a written observation log.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 3 (Students will be able to test their designs and analyze the data to determine effectiveness.) and 2-ESS2-1 (Compare multiple solutions designed to slow or prevent wind or water from changing the shape of the land.) and K–2-ETS1-3 (Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem)Solution Showcase: Presentation and Reflection
Students present their erosion prevention solutions, share their testing results, and reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of their designs.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation (oral, poster, or digital) that communicates the design process, testing results, and reflections on the effectiveness of the erosion prevention structure.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goals 4 and 5 (Students will be able to compare different erosion prevention methods and explain their strengths and weaknesses. and Students will be able to communicate their findings and justify their design choices.) and SEP-6 (Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions)Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioErosion Prevention Planners Portfolio Rubric
Understanding Erosion
Demonstrates knowledge of erosion, its causes, and its effects.Definition of Erosion
Accurately defines erosion and explains its effects on the land.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a clear, accurate, and detailed definition of erosion, explaining its causes and effects with scientific vocabulary.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a clear and accurate definition of erosion, explaining its causes and effects.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a basic definition of erosion but may lack detail or accuracy in explaining its causes and effects.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to define erosion or explain its causes and effects.
Examples of Erosion
Provides relevant examples of erosion in different environments.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides multiple, diverse, and detailed examples of erosion in different environments, explaining the specific processes at work in each example.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides several clear and relevant examples of erosion in different environments.
Developing
2 PointsProvides one or two basic examples of erosion, but may not fully explain the context.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to provide relevant examples of erosion.
Design and Construction
Demonstrates ability to design, build, and test an erosion prevention structure.Blueprint Quality
Creates a clear and detailed blueprint for an erosion prevention structure.
Exemplary
4 PointsBlueprint is exceptionally detailed, clearly labeled, and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of structural design and function.
Proficient
3 PointsBlueprint is detailed, clearly labeled, and demonstrates a good understanding of structural design and function.
Developing
2 PointsBlueprint is partially detailed and labeled, but may lack clarity or demonstrate a limited understanding of structural design and function.
Beginning
1 PointsBlueprint is incomplete, lacks detail, and demonstrates a minimal understanding of structural design and function.
Structure Construction
Constructs a functional and well-built erosion prevention structure.
Exemplary
4 PointsStructure is exceptionally well-built, demonstrates skillful use of materials, and closely adheres to the blueprint.
Proficient
3 PointsStructure is well-built, demonstrates effective use of materials, and generally adheres to the blueprint.
Developing
2 PointsStructure is partially complete or poorly constructed, may deviate from the blueprint, or demonstrate limited skill in using materials.
Beginning
1 PointsStructure is incomplete, poorly constructed, and does not resemble the blueprint.
Testing and Data Collection
Conducts tests and collects data to evaluate the effectiveness of the structure.
Exemplary
4 PointsConducts thorough and well-controlled tests, collects detailed and accurate data, and uses data to draw insightful conclusions about the structure's effectiveness.
Proficient
3 PointsConducts tests, collects relevant data, and uses data to draw conclusions about the structure's effectiveness.
Developing
2 PointsConducts basic tests, collects limited data, and struggles to draw clear conclusions about the structure's effectiveness.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to conduct adequate tests, collect data, or draw conclusions about the structure's effectiveness.
Communication and Reflection
Communicates findings effectively and reflects on the design process.Presentation Clarity
Presents the design process, testing results, and reflections in a clear and organized manner.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresentation is exceptionally clear, engaging, and well-organized, effectively communicating the entire design process, testing results, and insightful reflections.
Proficient
3 PointsPresentation is clear, organized, and effectively communicates the design process, testing results, and reflections.
Developing
2 PointsPresentation is partially clear or organized, but may lack detail or clarity in communicating the design process, testing results, or reflections.
Beginning
1 PointsPresentation is disorganized, difficult to understand, and fails to adequately communicate the design process, testing results, or reflections.
Justification and Reasoning
Justifies design choices and explains the strengths and weaknesses of the design.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a compelling justification for design choices, explaining the strengths and weaknesses of the design with insightful reasoning and evidence.
Proficient
3 PointsJustifies design choices and explains the strengths and weaknesses of the design.
Developing
2 PointsPartially justifies design choices or identifies some strengths and weaknesses of the design, but may lack clear reasoning or evidence.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to justify design choices or identify the strengths and weaknesses of the design.
Collaboration and Teamwork
Demonstrates effective collaboration and teamwork skills throughout the project.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates exceptional collaboration and teamwork skills, actively contributing to the group's success and supporting team members.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates effective collaboration and teamwork skills, contributing to the group's success.
Developing
2 PointsParticipates in collaboration and teamwork, but may not consistently contribute to the group's success.
Beginning
1 PointsRequires support to participate in collaboration and teamwork and struggles to contribute to the group's success.