J.T. Reddick Middle School 6th Grade Earth Science Course Syllabus 2014-2015
Course: Unit 3 “Weathering and Erosion”
Textbook: Prentice Hall Science Explorer – Georgia Earth Science (pages 176-197, 204-233)
Unit Overview:
In this unit students will explore the processes that slowly transform the Earth’s surface over time
– weathering, erosion, and deposition. As we learned in units 1, some changes in the earth's surface
are abrupt (such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions) while other changes happen very slowly
(such as uplifting and wearing down of mountains). In our “Rocks and Minerals” unit, we learned that these three processes are
responsible for the formation of sedimentary rocks; however, in this unit we will discover how they act as powerful constructive and
destructive forces reshaping the Earth by the movement of sediment by water, wind, ice, and gravity. In addition, students will learn
that weathering, erosion, and deposition also work together to create soil. Students will investigate soil (its formation and
composition) and be able to describe a soil profile and how it develops. Because soil is a precious natural resource, students will
learn about the importance of soil conservation as well as methods that can be used to help lessen the destructive effects of natural
forces and human activities on its preservation and fertility.
Standards:
S6E5. Students will investigate the scientific view of how the earth’s surface is formed. (Units 1-3)
d. Describe processes that change rocks and the surface of the earth.
f. Explain the effects of physical processes (plate tectonics, erosion, deposition, volcanic eruption, gravity) on geological
features including oceans (composition, currents, and tides).
h. Describe soil as consisting of weathered rocks and decomposed organic material.
i.
Explain the effects of human activity on the erosion of the earth’s surface.
j.
Describe methods for conserving natural resources such as water, soil, and air.
Objectives (What are OUR goals, and what will YOU learn in this unit?):
1. Briefly compare and contrast weathering and erosion.
2. Briefly compare and contrast chemical and mechanical (or physical) weathering.
3. List and describe the types of mechanical (or physical) weathering.
4. List and describe the types of chemical weathering.
5. List and discuss the factors that influence the type and rate of rock weathering.
6. Briefly compare and contrast erosion and deposition.
7. List the agents of erosion on the Earth's surface.
8. Explain how each agent causes erosion by describing the processes involved.
9. Correctly identify landforms created by erosion and deposition.
10. Explain how soil particle size and weight affect deposition.
11. Explain the problems that develop when people develop land prone to erosion (through human activities such as
construction, agriculture, mining, and deforestation).
12. Explain the factors influencing soil formation.
13. Discuss the components of soil.
14. Tell how humus forms.
15. Explain the main features of a soil profile.
16. Discuss soil conservation and the impact of natural forces and human activities.
Assessments (Quizzes, Tests, Projects)

Weekly Vocabulary Quiz (Formative)

Concept Quiz “Weathering” (Formative)

Concept Quiz “Erosion and Deposition” (Formative)

Concept Quiz “Soil Formation, Composition, and Conservation” (Formative)

Unit 3 Summative Test (Summative)

Unit 3 Culminating Project (Summative) – create a soil profile and complete information sheet
Vocabulary:
weathering
chemical weathering
biological weathering
oxidation
erosion
landslides
mechanical (physical) weathering
abrasion
ice wedging
slump
soil
fertility
soil profile
topsoil
soil horizon
subsoil
bedrock
litter
humus
decomposer
nonrenewable natural resource
renewable natural resource
Dust Bowl
ground cover
soil conservation
contour plowing
terracing
wind breaks