What Is the Difference Between Weathering, Erosion and Deposition?

Is this a question your students are struggling to answer in your science class? Whether this is your first year in this year level or perhaps you’ve spent some time away from this subject area, let’s take a look at the key differences between these 3 science terms.

Weathering is the first step in the W.E.D. sequence. It involves breaking down rocks and minerals physically through temperature changes, wind or ice, or chemically through water, acids and oxygen. This process weakens rocks and prepares them for further change.

After weathering has prepared the materials, erosion becomes the focus. Erosion is the process by which weathered rocks, sediments and soil are moved from one place to another by natural forces such as wind, water, ice and gravity. It can be thought of as a natural transportation system! For example, a river carving a canyon or wind carrying sand dunes across a desert. Erosion plays a role in reshaping landscapes by wearing away surfaces and transporting particles to different areas.

The final step in the process is called deposition. This happens when materials that have been eroded are dropped or settle into a new location. This occurs when the forces that were carrying them lose their energy. For example, a river might deposit sediment when it slows down and enters a calm lake. Deposition creates new landforms and gradually builds up landscapes over time. 

Year 4 and 5 Science Vocabulary Game

If you are looking for an engaging way for your students to review science vocabulary terms for your Earth Sciences unit, you have come to the right place! Teach Starter has created an easy-to-implement game for your year 4 and 5 classroom. This teacher-created resource includes a definition list of 18 vocabulary terms and a printable dice game.

To play this game, students simply take turns rolling a die, reading the vocabulary definition at the top of the corresponding column and guessing the correct term. A definition sheet is also included to check their answers and use at home for study purposes.

The vocabulary terms included in this resource are:

Easily Prepare This Vocabulary Game for Your Students

If you are ready to use this printable science game in your classroom, head on over to the green download button. The quick-print PDF file and the editable Google Slides option are here. If selecting the Google Slides document, please note that you will first be prompted to make a copy of the resource to your personal drive before accessing it.

This resource was created by Cassandra Friesen, a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

More Resources for your Earth Sciences Unit!

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:  

teaching resource

Weathering, Erosion and Deposition Mini-Book

Introduce your students to the different slow changes to Earth’s surface with a printable mini-book designed for year 4 and 5 students.

teaching resource

Weathering, Erosion and Deposition Flipbook

Learn about the causes and effects of weathering, erosion and deposition with a printable flipbook.

teaching resource

Weathering, Erosion and Deposition – Word Search

Strengthen your students' understanding of weathering, erosion and deposition terms with a vocabulary word search.