Mountain Mapping and Erosion Concepts

In this lesson, second-graders explore the concept of scale in landforms by investigating how small pieces of rock eroding from a landform can cause significant changes. The lesson uses a mountain model to simulate these changes, with students creating maps to visualize different land elevations. The activity involves coloring a map key and drawing a bird's-eye view map of the mountain, helping students understand the relationship between erosion and landform changes.

What is the main focus of the lesson in the changing landforms unit?

• Investigating differences in scale

• Learning about different types of rocks

• Studying the water cycle

• Exploring animal habitats

How do geologists use maps in their studies?

• To find treasure

• To locate water sources

• To predict weather patterns

• To study landforms and changes

What question are students investigating about erosion?

• How does erosion create new landforms?

• How does erosion affect weather?

• How can erosion of small rocks cause big changes?

• What animals live in eroded areas?

What material will students use in the mountain model activity?

• Clay

• Pom-poms

• Cotton balls

• Sand

What is the purpose of the map key in the worksheet?

• To display water sources

• To mark animal habitats

• To indicate different land elevations

• To show the weather conditions

Which color represents very high land on the map key?

• Blue

• Brown

• Yellow

• Green

What should students visualize when drawing the mountain map?

• The mountain during a storm

• The mountain from the side

• The mountain from a bird's eye view

• The mountain at night

What does the tape around the mountain model represent?

• The depth of the valley

• The height of the mountain

• The boundary of the map area

• The width of the river

What should students do before coloring their map key?

• Draw the mountain

• Measure the height of the mountain

• Visualize the mountain from above

• Write a story about the mountain

What is the final step in the mountain mapping activity?

• Writing a report on erosion

• Coloring the map key

• Drawing the map from above

• Building a model of the mountain