Soil Science Unit. Weathering, Erosion, Soil Conservation, Ice Ages

Comprehensive Weathering, Erosion, and Soil Science Unit for Engaging Learning

This Weathering, Erosion, and Soil Science Unit is a five-part curriculum packed with 37 detailed lessons (50 minutes each) and 58 pages of printable, interactive work bundles. These work bundles guide students as they fill in critical notes, conduct hands-on activities, interpret graphs, answer thought-provoking questions, and participate in games and built-in quizzes. Lessons and work bundles are structured to follow the interactive slideshow presentations chronologically, ensuring a cohesive and well-organized learning experience. Each part concludes with a 20-question quiz game for review and assessment, accompanied by detailed answer keys, video links, and crosswords to reinforce comprehension.

The materials are provided in editable formats, making it easy to customize for your classroom needs. The unit is also Google Classroom-friendly, with slideshows and work bundles that can be seamlessly converted to Google Slides and Docs for remote or in-class use.

Unit Breakdown with Links

Part 1: Weathering

• 6 Lessons (50 minutes each)

• 13-page work bundle

• Topics: Importance of soil, mechanical and chemical weathering, sinkholes, stalagmites/stalactites, and weathering charts. Includes a Venn diagram, graphing activities, and a Box Game review.

• View Part 1: Weathering Unit

Part 2: Erosion

• 9 Lessons (50 minutes each)

• 14-page work bundle

• Topics: Erosion processes, coastal erosion, mass movement, sediment transport, deposition, and wave tank projects. Students explore longshore drift, barrier islands, and erosion solutions through engaging activities.

• View Part 2: Erosion Unit

Part 3: Soil Science

• 5 Lessons (50 minutes each)

• 8-page work bundle

• Topics: Soil composition and properties, particle size (clay, silt, sand, gravel), soil porosity and permeability, and soil horizons. Includes a % Porosity lab, Box Game review, and a crossword.

• View Part 3: Soil Science Unit

Part 4: Soil Conservation

• 7 Lessons (50 minutes each)

• 9-page work bundle

• Topics: Dust Bowl case study, soil conservation techniques, farming practices (crop rotation, contour plowing, cover cropping), topographic maps, and fertilizer use. Students complete a farm design project to implement soil conservation practices.

• View Part 4: Soil Conservation Unit

Part 5: Ice Ages and Glaciers

• 7 Lessons (50 minutes each)

• 13-page work bundle

• Topics: Glaciers, glacial landforms, ice ages, Milankovitch cycles, and paleoecology. Students engage in designing a mountain with glacial landforms and explore the impact of the Laurentide Ice Sheet.

• View Part 5: Ice Ages and Glaciers Unit

This comprehensive Weathering, Erosion, and Soil Science Unit provides educators with an all-in-one solution to teaching these essential earth science topics. From weathering and erosion processes to soil science and glacier formation, this unit engages students with interactive activities, detailed notes, and structured assessments. Fully aligned with educational standards and optimized for in-person or digital learning, this unit is ideal for middle school or high school science educators seeking an organized, editable curriculum. Explore the detailed work bundles, quizzes, and projects to enrich your students’ understanding of geology, weathering, and climate systems.