Name: Miranda Comstock

Grade: 4th
CHANGING THE EARTHS SURFACE

While viewing an online virtual tour of the San Juan River in Goosenecks, Utah, students will record their observations of the physical
landscape in this region, and then discuss how these physical characteristics of this region came to be, what type of rock makes up this
region, and how weathering/erosion have a huge role in shaping the Earths surface.
Next Generation Science Standards:
4-ESS1-1: Identify evidence from patterns in rock formations and rock layers for changes in a landscape over time to support an
explanation for the changes in a landscape over time.
4-ESS2-1: Make observations to provide evidence of the effects of weathering or the rate of erosion by water, ice, wind, or vegetation.
ISTE-T Standards:
2A: Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity
3D: Model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to
support research and learning
Lesson Objectives
Students will be able to identify the physical characteristics of the San Juan River that provide evidence that erosion and weathering
have occurred. Students will also use identify physical characteristics that provide evidence that the San Juan River cuts through layers
and layers of sedimentary rock.
Students will be able to explain how water has the ability to cut through rock because of erosion and weathering, and also how water can
change the shape of the Earths surface.
Materials Needed:
Computer (internet)
Projector
Virtual Tour : http://www.airpano.ru/files/Goosenecks-Utah-USA/2-2
Graphic Organizer (to record observations

PROCEDURES
Before Virtual Tour:
1. Review vocabulary terms that are listed on the graphic organizer (erosion, weathering, deposition)
2. Explain that the students will be required to use these vocabulary terms as part of their observation notes.
3. Model and explain what students should be looking for as they view the online-tour, and provide an example response for their
graphic organizer.
During Virtual Tour:
1. Students will make observations during the online-virtual tour displayed on the projector, and write these observations on the
graphic organizer provided.
2. Allow students to ask questions, stop the video, rewind, etc. in order for them to have the opportunity to make as many observations
as possible.

After Virtual Tour:

1. Once virtual tour is complete, allow for the students to finish writing and organizing their observations.
2. Have students turn and talk to their neighbor about 3 observations they recorded during the virtual tour.
3. As a whole class, discuss what students saw in the San Juan River tour, and how weathering and erosion played a role in shaping this
region. Question students to further their thinking as to how water is able to cut through rock and how water shapes the Earth.

Closure / Assessment
Explain how weathering and erosions effects are visible in areas such as the San Juan River in Utah, and how the weathering and
erosion in this area allows for the type of rock that makes up this region visible (sedimentary). Also, explain how water is an important
tool for shaping the Earths surface.
Assessment: Review graphic organizer of observations to ensure that students used all 3 vocabulary words at least once, and observe
student comments during whole group and partner discussions.