Mission Library

Wind and Water (2026)
Erosion
Grades 1-2

The Mission
16 min

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.

3-Dimensional Science

Phenomenon

Wind and water can alter landforms over time.

Science and Engineering Practices

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

  • Generate or compare multiple solutions to a problem.

Asking Questions and Defining Problems

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

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 can 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.

Targeted Standards
Timeline
Skills in Action