Shaping Earth's Surface and Erosion

This lesson for fifth graders covers chapter five, lesson five on shaping Earth's surface. It explains weathering, erosion, and deposition, focusing on how these processes change the Earth's surface. Weathering is described as the breakdown of rocks, with physical and chemical types. Erosion involves the movement of weathered rocks by gravity, glaciers, water, waves, and wind. Deposition is the settling of eroded materials, forming features like deltas and sandbars. The lesson also discusses how shorelines change due to these processes and methods to protect them, such as levees and planting vegetation.

What is the primary focus of the lesson on shaping Earth's surface?

• The process of weathering and erosion

• The history of Earth's climate

• The formation of mountains

• The study of ocean currents

Which of the following is an example of physical weathering?

• Tree roots breaking apart rocks

• Acid rain dissolving limestone

• Rust forming on metal

• Saltwater corroding a pier

What is the main difference between physical and chemical weathering?

• Chemical weathering involves breaking down rocks, physical does not

• Chemical weathering is caused by temperature changes, physical is not

• Physical weathering involves movement, chemical does not

• Physical weathering is caused by natural forces, chemical by man-made forces

What natural force is responsible for causing a mudslide?

• Waves

• Glaciers

• Gravity

• Wind

Which of the following is NOT a way land can be eroded?

• Waves

• Volcanoes

• Glaciers

• Gravity

What is deposition in the context of shaping Earth's surface?

• The movement of rocks from one place to another

• The process of rocks being broken down

• The dropping off of eroded materials in a new location

• The formation of new rocks from sediment

How do meanders form in a river?

• By slow-moving water creating gentle loops

• By glaciers carving out the riverbed

• By wind blowing sediment into the river

• By fast-moving water creating straight paths

What is a sandbar?

• A type of dune formed by wind

• A large rock formation on a beach

• A strip of sandy land formed in water

• A steep bowl-shaped hollow formed by glaciers

What is the purpose of a barrier island?

• To prevent the formation of sand dunes

• To provide a habitat for marine life

• To protect the beach from erosion

• To increase the speed of ocean currents

Which method can help protect shorelines from erosion?

• Building a levee

• Draining wetlands

• Removing all vegetation

• Increasing the speed of running water