5th Grade Science
Earth Changes Over Time
Unit 1
Earth and Changes Over Time
Our Changing Earth
Did you know that our amazing planet Earth changes every single day? Sometimes these transformations are quite small, and you will barely notice anything different. Other times, they are extraordinary! Though many of the changes to Earth’s surface are caused by natural forces, changes can be caused by people as well.
What is a "Landform"?
A landform is any natural or artificial geographic feature that exists on the surface of the earth. Can you think of any examples?
Some major types of landforms are: mountains, hills, plateaus, and plains. When you go outside, try to look at your surroundings and point out as many landforms as you can! You'll be surprised by how many you can find.
Watch this video and learn more about the different landforms on our Earth and how they're created!
How Do Landforms Affect Us?
Landforms are very important to us, as it affects people every day! When you go skiing or hiking, you are traveling up a landform. Whenever you ride down a hill on your bicycle you are on a landform. Many cities are built on flat landforms because it is easier for construction!
Can you think of any more examples of how landforms affect our every day lives?
What Are Ways Landforms Change?
Changes on Earth can be very slow...
Like erosion, weathering, and deposition.
And changes on Earth can be very fast!
Like landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic erupptions.
Erosion
The movement of sediment from broken rock.
Weathering
The breaking down of rock.
Deposition
The dropping of sediment in a new place.
Try to think of how erosion creates and changes our Earth's landforms.
An example: Some landforms that erosion can create are valleys, canyons, caves, and cliffs. Can you name more?
Try to think of how weathering creates and changes our Earth's landforms.
An example: Some landforms that weathering can create are canyons and U-shaped valleys. Can you name more?
Try to think of how deposition creates and changes our Earth's landforms.
An example: Some landforms that deposition can create are salt marshes, beaches, and deltas. Can you name more?
These examples are all natural ways that the Earth surface changes. However, did you know that humans can change landforms by causing erosion as well?
How Do People Affect Landforms?
Landforms on our planet's surface can also be changed and created by us.
Some examples of this are: deforestation, overgrazing, construction, and road building. These often expose soil and sediments and lead to more erosion.
Watch this video to learn more about weathering and erosion and how it changes the Earth's surface!
Weathering vs. Erosion
Want to go over weathering and erosion even more? Here's a good way to learn more about the changes on Earth's surface. (Adobe Flash Player is required)
Check this link out to play an interactive game! http://www.kineticcity.com/mindgames/warper/
Still having trouble? Here's a clip of a lab done by a scientist below to help you learn more about the difference!
Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary rock is made up of pieces of other rock. Weathering can decompose all types of rock into tiny pieces. These pieces all together are called sediment. Sediment is carried away by wind or water and then buried and pressed together. When the sediment is finally cemented together, it created sedimentary rock.
Some common types of sedimentary rock include: sandstone, limestone, chalk, rock salt, dolomite and shale.
Sandstone
Sandstone is made of sand that has compacted together after many layers of sediment have been piled on top.
Limestone
Limestone forms most often from the sediment that collects on an ocean floor. Fossils of sea creatures are often found in limestone.
Think you got it? Try this Quizizz and test your knowledge! Make sure you've watched all the videos and are confident about the topic!