What Is the Difference Between Weathering and Erosion?

Are your students struggling to understand the differences between these two processes? While they are related, let’s take a look at what these terms mean. 

Weathering is the process of breaking down rocks and minerals in place through physical or chemical means. Erosion is the process of transporting and removing weathered materials, such as rocks, soil and sediment, from one place to another through natural agents like wind, water or ice.

Another process that students will learn about is deposition. Deposition is a geological process that occurs as part of the erosion and sedimentation cycle. It refers to the laying down or depositing of eroded materials, such as sediment, soil or rocks, by natural agents like water, wind or ice.

Let’s Learn About Weathering, Erosion and Deposition!

With this set of teaching slides, students will learn about the following:

• How Earth’s surface slowly changes
• Weathering
• Types of mechanical, chemical and biological weathering
• Erosion
• Effects of erosion
• Deposition
• Results of deposition

Throughout the slide deck, students will be presented with various check-for-understanding opportunities as well as an integrated tableau activity at the end.

What Is a Tableau?

A tableau is a drama game that combines elements of storytelling, improvisation and visual arts. It involves creating scenes to depict various characters, situations or narratives. In this set of teaching slides, students will create actions that represent the weathering, erosion and deposition process. Tableaus can be used for many different activities, including topics studied in science, social studies or reading class.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your science lessons. 

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

Help students who need help understanding the concepts by presenting the information in small chunks, allowing students time to process the information. Additionally, ask additional questions throughout the presentation to check for student understanding.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

Students who need a challenge can be “tapped” while in their tableau. When they are tapped, they must make a statement describing exactly what they are doing in the tableau.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the Download button to access this resource’s editable Google Slides version.

This resource was created by Kaylyn Chupp, a teacher in Florida and a Teach Starter Collaborator.

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

teaching resource

Weathering and Erosion Poster

Learn how weathering and erosion can cause slow changes to Earth’s surface with this printable poster.

teaching resource

Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition – Crossword Puzzle

Review science vocabulary terms associated with weathering, erosion, and deposition with a crossword puzzle.

teaching resource

Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition Flipbook

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