Science Rocks! The Dirt on Soil by Mrs. Whittenberg’s and Mrs. Hillin’s 4 th Grade Classes

Evidence of Weathering, Erosion, and Conservation on Fair Oaks Ranch Elementary Playground Photos by Mrs. Whittenberg’s Homeroom

WEATHERING Weathering is the process of breaking down rock into smaller pieces. Physical weathering occurs when rocks crumble into smaller pieces. Chemical weathering is when rock breaks down because of a chemical reaction. Paint, buildings, and other things in the sun and wind can be weathered.

Weathering can cause cracks in rocks and on roads.

Weathering can chip off pieces of stone.

Plant roots can weather roads and rocks.

EROSION Erosion is the process of wind, ice, or moving water carrying away bits of rock or soil. Erosion can be a good thing or a bad thing to nature. Sloping land can erode easily. Terracing, strip cropping, and contour plowing help prevent erosion.

Moving water can erode rocks.

Water erodes soil as it moves along.

Wind can easily erode soil that has no vegetation or protection.

SOIL CONSERVATION Soil conservation is the saving of soil. Planting trees and vegetation can hold soil in place.

Water flows through the concrete ditch instead of eroding the soil.

Down spouts prevent water erosion.

Planting vegetation on a slope prevents water erosion.

It is important to learn about soil conservation so that if weathering and/or erosion occur you will know how to stop them.

Science Rocks! Thank you for learning about weathering, erosion, and conservation with us.

Thank you for learning about weathering, erosion, and conservation with us.