Erosion: Epic 1st/2nd Grade Classroom Mission

Storyline

Students will compare solutions to wind and water changing landforms.

After a river splits into two, the crew will compare multiple solutions to divert the water. Then, when severe wind keeps knocking off the fruit of orchard trees, the crew will devise a solution to protect the trees from wind damage.

Est. time: 22 min.

Targeted Standards

3-Dimensional Science

Phenomenon

Wind and water can alter landforms over time.

Science and Engineering Practices

Asking Questions and Defining Problems

Define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved tool or object.

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Generate or compare multiple solutions to a problem.

Crosscutting Concepts

Cause and Effect

Students learn that events have causes that generate observable patterns.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

ESS2.A: Earth Materials and Systems

Wind and water change the shape of the land.

ETS1.C: Optimizing the Design Solution

By the end of grade 2. Because there is always more than one possible solution to a problem, it is useful to compare designs, test them, and discuss their strengths and weaknesses.

Wind and Water