How Is Weathering Different From Erosion?

Are your students struggling to differentiate these two Earth Science terms? Let’s take a deep dive into these topics to help your students understand these vocabulary words a bit better!

Weathering and erosion are two separate geological processes that alter the Earth’s surface in distinct ways.

Weathering

Weathering is the process of breaking down and altering rocks and minerals in a place where they are found on the Earth’s surface. Weathering occurs due to various natural processes and environmental factors. 

Erosion

The process of moving weathered rock and sediment from one place to another is called erosion. This involves removing and displacing materials, usually through the actions of water, wind, ice, or gravity. Erosion typically occurs after rocks and minerals have been weakened or broken down by weathering.

What Does RACE Stand for in Writing?

If this is a fairly new acronym for you, have no fear! This easy-to-remember word helps students construct an open-response question in a structured manner. Let’s take a peek at what each of the letters means!

R – Restate the question

A – Answer the question

C – Cite text evidence

E – Explain your thinking

The letter “s” is often added to this acronym, which makes it RACES. The S represents “sum it up,” a way to create a conclusion to a paragraph.

Weathering and Erosion Worksheets

If you are ready for your students to put their reading, writing and science skills to the test, you have come to the right place! Teach Starter has put together 2 comprehension passes, one for weathering and another for erosion. The reading level of these passages are suitable for 4th and 5th-grade students.

Besides the reading passage, students will have a RACES writing organizer and a response page with a checklist.

Download and Print!

If you are ready for your students to get some practice with some science constructed response questions, head on over to the green download button. You will find the quick-print PDF option or the editable Google Slides file here. If selecting the Google Slides option, 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 teacher in Colorado and a Teach Starter Collaborator.

Want More Weathering and Erosion Resources?

If you are looking for more weathering and erosion activities to add to your teaching toolkit, check out some of our suggested activities below!

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