Fall SAVY 2016 (Day 3) – Where’s the Beach?

Posted by hallep on Monday, October 10, 2016 in Grade 1, Grade 2, SAVY.

Greetings!

Our class this week focused on the natural process of weathering.  We examined various rocks and used our observation skills to determine how they were different in size, texture, shape, and color.  The students demonstrated solid background knowledge about the fact that rocks can change, and they shared ideas about how those changes can occur over time. 

We discussed the points of view of the stakeholders in the issue of coastal erosion and decided that we would work from the scientiific point of view in order to find out how to curb erosion and still protect the natural environment.

Thinking like scientists, we conducted experiments to determine how physical and chemical weathering work and how that connects to our task at hand.  We discovered that when rocks freeze, water inside the cracks can expand and break the rock down.  Wind can blow bits of sand in the air and wear away at the surface of rocks as well.  

After these experiments, we revisited our U.S. map to identify coastlines, and we looked at various sand samples from around the nation under a hand lens to compare/contrast the colors and textures.

Next week, we will conduct experiments to model the erosion process in both soil and sand in order to formulate ideas about how to minimize the effect of erosion on the coastline.  To extend today’s lesson, consider asking your child to learn more about volcanic eruptions and the sand types that would be found on beaches near eruptions.

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Wendy Buchanan