Paper Plate Landforms with Weathering and Erosion
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Paper Plate Landforms with Weathering and Erosion

Grade 4Science3 days
In this fourth-grade science project, students explore landform creation and transformation through weathering and erosion by crafting models using everyday materials. Through a virtual reality adventure and hands-on activities, they investigate the impact of natural forces such as water, wind, and ice on landforms. This project aligns with Next Generation Science Standards, engaging students in research, creative modeling, and simulation, fostering critical thinking and a deeper understanding of Earth's natural processes.
WeatheringErosionLandformsModelingNatural ForcesEducationScience
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we use everyday materials to model the creation and transformation of landforms through weathering and erosion, while understanding the role of natural forces like water, wind, and ice?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • What are the main types of landforms and how are they created?
  • How do weathering and erosion shape and change landforms over time?
  • What role do natural forces like water, wind, and ice play in the weathering and erosion of landforms?
  • How can we model the processes of weathering and erosion using everyday materials?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Define and identify various landforms and explain how they are created through natural processes.
  • Describe the processes of weathering and erosion and provide examples of how they shape and change landforms over time.
  • Model the processes of weathering and erosion using everyday materials, demonstrating the role of natural forces such as water, wind, and ice.
  • Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by designing and constructing a model that illustrates the processes of weathering and erosion.

Next Generation Science Standards

4-ESS2-1
Primary
Make observations and/or measurements to provide evidence of the effects of weathering or the rate of erosion by water, ice, wind, or vegetation.Reason: The project directly involves students modeling the processes of weathering and erosion using everyday materials, which aligns with making observations and measurements to provide evidence of these processes.
4-PS3-4
Secondary
Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.Reason: While indirectly connected, students engage in designing and refining a model (device) that illustrates physical processes, albeit not directly focused on energy conversion, utilizing similar skills.
4-ESS3-2
Supporting
Generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the impacts of natural Earth processes on humans.Reason: Exploring and modeling the effects of weathering and erosion allows students to consider how these natural processes can impact human-made structures and environments.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Landform Adventure Quest

Students embark on a virtual reality adventure where they travel to different landforms around the world. Along their journey, they witness firsthand the effects of weathering and erosion, capturing evidence and insights for their landform creation project.
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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

Landform Exploration Journal

Students create a journal to document their research and discoveries about various landforms, focusing on the effects of weathering and erosion.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Begin by selecting a specific landform to research from the virtual reality adventure.
2. Use library resources and online databases to gather information about your selected landform.
3. Record your findings in your journal, focusing on how weathering and erosion impact this landform.
4. Include drawings or sketches to enhance your observations.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive journal including written observations and sketches of the selected landform.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity aligns with 4-ESS2-1, focusing on making observations about the effects of weathering and erosion.
Activity 2

Weathering and Erosion Simulation

Students use everyday materials to simulate weathering and erosion processes, observing how different forces affect landforms.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Gather materials like sand, water, ice cubes, and small fans for the simulation.
2. Set up a mini landform model using sand on a paper plate.
3. Apply different weathering and erosion forces such as pouring water, using the fan to simulate wind, and placing ice cubes to represent glacial action.
4. Observe and take notes on the changes to your landform over time.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA series of observations and notes describing the effects of simulated weathering and erosion on the mini landform model.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity aligns with 4-ESS2-1, as it involves modeling and observing the effects of weathering and erosion using scientific simulations.
Activity 3

Landform Creation & Presentation

Students create a 3D model of a landform using paper plates and other materials, incorporating the processes of weathering and erosion.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Based on previous observations and journal entries, design a 3D model plan of a landform using sketches.
2. Construct the model using paper plates, clay, and other craft materials.
3. Incorporate features demonstrating weathering and erosion, such as cracks, folds, and sculpted surfaces.
4. Prepare a presentation explaining the creation process and effects of weathering and erosion on your model.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA 3D model of a landform with detailed features showing the effects of weathering and erosion, along with a presentation.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity supports standard 4-ESS2-1 and 4-ESS3-2 by modeling natural processes and considering their impact on structures.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Landform Creation and Simulation Rubric

Category 1

Research and Inquiry Skills

Assessment of student's ability to research, gather information, and document their findings effectively, showcasing understanding of landform processes.
Criterion 1

Information Gathering

Analyzing the thoroughness and relevance of information collected during the research phase.

Exemplary
4 Points

Gathers detailed and relevant information from multiple sources; consistently records insightful observations about landform processes.

Proficient
3 Points

Gathers relevant information from several sources; records clear observations regarding landform processes.

Developing
2 Points

Gathers some relevant information, but observations are limited or occasionally unclear.

Beginning
1 Points

Gathers minimal information with unclear or incomplete observations.

Criterion 2

Documentation and Presentation

Evaluating the clarity, organization, and depth of journal entries and presentations.

Exemplary
4 Points

Presents information clearly and logically with comprehensive details, supporting illustrations, and a structured presentation that engages the audience.

Proficient
3 Points

Presents information clearly, with relevant details and organized structure in both journal entries and presentations.

Developing
2 Points

Presents information with some clarity; includes basic details but lacks consistent organization.

Beginning
1 Points

Presents information unclearly with few details or noticeable disorganization.

Category 2

Scientific Modeling and Creativity

Assessment of students' ability to creatively model scientific processes using materials and demonstrate understanding of weathering and erosion.
Criterion 1

Model Design and Execution

Evaluates creativity, accuracy, and effectiveness of the model in depicting weathering and erosion processes.

Exemplary
4 Points

Constructs an innovative and scientifically accurate model that effectively demonstrates weathering and erosion processes with multiple materials.

Proficient
3 Points

Constructs a scientifically accurate model that demonstrates weathering and erosion mainly with appropriate materials.

Developing
2 Points

Models some aspects of weathering and erosion; uses limited materials with varying accuracy.

Beginning
1 Points

Displays an incomplete or inaccurate model with minimal demonstration of processes.

Criterion 2

Creative Problem Solving

Evaluates the student's ability to integrate their understanding into a creative and meaningful expression of scientific concepts.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates highly creative solutions and problem-solving skills in model creation and presentation.

Proficient
3 Points

Applies creative solutions and effective problem-solving strategies in completing the project.

Developing
2 Points

Attempts some creative solutions with limited effectiveness.

Beginning
1 Points

Shows minimal creativity or effectiveness in solving problems related to the project.

Category 3

Collaboration and Reflection

Assessment of student participation in collaborative activities and reflective processes, critical for understanding complex scientific concepts.
Criterion 1

Collaborative Work

Evaluates contribution and leadership in collaborative tasks during the project.

Exemplary
4 Points

Leads group in productive collaboration, contributing innovative ideas and fostering team success.

Proficient
3 Points

Actively contributes ideas and works well with others to achieve project goals.

Developing
2 Points

Participates in group activities with occasional contributions to the project.

Beginning
1 Points

Participates minimally in group activities with limited contributions.

Criterion 2

Reflective Practice

Evaluates student's ability to engage in reflective thinking about their learning and the project's scientific concepts.

Exemplary
4 Points

Engages deeply in reflective practice, providing comprehensive insights and evaluations of personal learning and project outcomes.

Proficient
3 Points

Engages in reflective practice with clear insights about learning and project work.

Developing
2 Points

Shows some reflection on learning experiences with basic insights.

Beginning
1 Points

Engages minimally in reflection with limited insights into learning.

Reflection Prompts

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

Reflect on your journey through the Landform Adventure Quest. What are the most significant insights you gained about weathering and erosion?

Text
Required
Question 2

How challenging did you find the process of designing and creating your 3D landform model?

Scale
Required
Question 3

In what ways did the simulation of weathering and erosion impact your understanding of the natural processes shaping landforms?

Multiple choice
Required
Options
Significantly enhanced understanding
Somewhat enhanced understanding
No change in understanding
Confusing or unclear
Question 4

Describe how the different activities (journal creation, simulation, and model construction) contributed to your learning about landforms and natural processes.

Text
Required