Weathering, Erosion Deposition – Oh My!

Are your students learning about these three science vocabulary terms this year? While these words may be a bit new for students, they may be surprised that they have already seen or experienced some of these processes in action! Let’s take a quick look at how you can explain these key concepts to your students!

Weathering – Weathering is nature’s way of changing rocks and making them look different over a very long time. It happens because of things such as water, temperature changes, wind, and even plants or animals.

Erosion –  Erosion is the process of moving bits of rocks, dirt and soil to a new location. This takes place over a long, long time and happens because of natural forces like water, wind and even ice.

Deposition – Deposition is the opposite of erosion. This occurs when sediment is dropped in a new location. Over a very long time, deposition can create things like sand dunes or islands.

Science Doodle Notes to Keep Your Students Engaged

If you are looking for a resource to help your students understand weathering, erosion and deposition, you have come to the right place! Teach Starter has created a set of doodle notes that cover this important 4th and 5th-grade topic. In this download, you will find a weathering page and an erosion and deposition page. There is a copy where all of the information is filled in and an option with spaces for students to write terms in as they are learning.

Students can also use crayons and colored pencils to color in the pictures, boxes and decorative accents if they wish.

With this set of doodle notes, students will learn about the following:

Weathering

• Definition of weathering
• Mechanical or physical weathering
• Biological weathering
• The causes of each type of weathering

Erosion and Deposition

• Definition of erosion and deposition
• 3 main agents of erosion and how they change the landscape
• Gravity’s role

Download, Print and Teach

If you are ready to use this set of doodle notes in your classroom, head on over to the green download button to access the quick-print PDF version or the editable Google Slides file. If choosing 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.

More Resources for Your Weathering and Erosion Unit!

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

teaching resource

Weathering vs. Erosion Worksheet Pack

Support student understanding of weathering and erosion with this reading comprehension passage, worksheet and accompanying vocabulary activities.

teaching resource

Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition – Sorting Activity

Categorize examples of deposition, weathering, and erosion with this 24-card sorting activity.

teaching resource

Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition Flipbook

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