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Science - Elementary Curriculum SEEd - Grade 2
Lesson Plans

Strand 2.1: CHANGES IN THE EARTH'S SURFACE

Earth has an ancient history of slow and gradual surface changes, punctuated with quick but powerful geologic events like volcanic eruptions, flooding, and earthquakes. Water and wind play a significant role in changing Earth's surface. The effects of wind and water can cause both slow and quick changes to the surface of the Earth. Scientists and engineers design solutions to slow or prevent wind or water from changing the land.

Standard 2.1.2

Construct an explanation about changes in Earth's surface that happen quickly or slowly. Emphasize the contrast between fast and slow changes. Examples of fast changes could include volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, or landslides. Examples of slow changes could include the erosion of mountains or the shaping of canyons. (ESS1.C)
  • Changes in the Earth's Surface
    Thumbnail  Image Credit: Antelope Canyon,  by Meckimac, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0, Navajo Tribal Park, Arizona, USA.Students will learn about the changes in the earth's surface and and how they occur by going on virtual and real fieldtrips, discussing in groups, and sharing with the class. They will showcase their learning by creating a book with photographs and descriptions. 
  • Rock and Roll
    A lesson plan that explains some of Earth's changes happen slowly and some happen quickly. (Going 3D with GRC)


UEN logo http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Jennifer  Throndsen and see the Science - Elementary website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.