Weathering Lesson Plan for 9th Grade Example Students

Topic: Weathering

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to define weathering and explain its main types. They will also be able to describe the processes that cause weathering and their impact on the environment.

Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Handout with examples of weathering (e.g. rocks, buildings, bridges)
• Internet connection for research on weathering (optional)

Warm-up

• Ask students if they have ever experienced any type of weather (e.g. rain, snow, wind, etc.).
• Ask them to describe the weather event and how it affected them physically and emotionally.
• Lead a discussion on how weather affects the environment and how it can change the appearance of objects over time.

Direct Instruction

• Define weathering as the process by which the outer surface of a rock is broken down and worn away by the environment.
• Introduce the different types of weathering (e.g. erosive, mechanical, chemical) and explain how each type of weathering occurs.
• Use examples to demonstrate how weathering can change the appearance of rocks and other materials over time.

Guided Practice

• Have students work in pairs to identify and label examples of weathering in photos of natural landscapes.
• Have each pair share their findings with the class and discuss how the different types of weathering are responsible for the observed changes.
• Ask students to think about how weathering occurs in their own backyard or neighborhood and encourage them to share their ideas with the class.
• Bring in samples of different types of rocks and have students identify and classify them according to their hardness.
• Have students predict which rock is more resistant to weathering and explain their reasoning.

Independent Practice

• Have students work in groups to create a short animation or video clip that shows how different types of weathering can occur in a natural landscape.
• Encourage students to use real-life examples and to think about the types of -effects that weathering can have on different types of materials.
• Allow students to use any computer-based graphics software or -technology that is available in the classroom.

Closure

• Review the different types of weathering and how they can affect the -formation and appearance of natural landscape features.
• Ask students to share their ideas about why weathering is important and -how it can help to shape the landscape.

Assessment

• Observe students during the guided and independent practice activities to assess their understanding of weathering.
• Collect and review their written responses to the guided and independent practice activities.