• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Start Here
  • Montessori Subjects
    • Art & Music
    • Culture
    • Language Arts
    • Math
    • Practical Life
    • Science
    • Sensorial
  • Curriculum
    • Montessori Books
  • Planning
    • Baby
    • Toddler
    • Montessori Child
    • Montessori Guide
    • Montessori Organization
  • Blog
Master the Montessori Life

Master the Montessori Life

Create smooth, successful Montessori days

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Work with Me
  • Assessment
  • Live Trainings
  • Shop
  • Podcast

Erosion and Weathering Science Activity for Children

Earth Science, Montessori Subjects, Science

Spread the love

In this Science activity with detailed pictures, children will learn what erosion and weathering are, how to tell the difference between the two.

Weathering and erosion are terms used to describe the effects of air, ice, and water on rock.

We may not be aware of what each of them is, let alone what they look like. How do we distinguish between each of them?

What exactly is erosion? What is the process of weathering?

What does the term “erosion” mean?

What is the cause for rocks to weather in the elements?

When it comes to weathering and erosion, what is the difference?

It is critical to find answers to these and other related questions. You can learn more about it right here!

In this Science activity with detailed pictures, children will learn what erosion and weathering are, how to tell the difference between the two.

What is Erosion?

In contrast to weathering, erosion is also referred to as “mass wasting” in some circles.

There are several types of erosion.

Some of them are:

  • wind erosion
  • soil erosion

This means that the rocks or portions of the rocks are being moved by water, air, or a combination of the three.

Gravity is the dominant force on this planet, and you will see rocks, gravel, and even boulders moving downward as a result of this.

On rock formations, you will frequently see both weathering and erosion occurring in close proximity to one another.

In this Science activity with detailed pictures, children will learn what erosion and weathering are, how to tell the difference between the two.

What is Weathering?

Did you know that there are several types of weathering?

Some of them are:

  • physical weathering (weathering occurs with wind or water)
  • chemical weathering (weathering involves chemical reactions with certain rocks)
  • mechanical weathering (the breakdown of rocks).

You can read this link to gain a better understanding of weathering and erosion, and then come back to see how we put our newfound knowledge to use.

Weathering, in its most basic definition, is a change in the chemistry of a rock caused by water or air over time.

Weathering is the process by which rocks change structure as a result of the formation of gaps, gashes, and arches in the rock.

In this Science activity with detailed pictures, children will learn what erosion and weathering are, how to tell the difference between the two.

How do Erosion and Weathering Differ?

Introduce your students to the definitions of erosion and weathering at the start of your Earth Science lesson.

Next, display the cards that state, “This is what erosion looks like” and “This is what weathering looks like” to your children.

The arrows are extremely useful in demonstrating exactly what we are talking about.

The third activity is to compare the two cards side by side. Keep an eye out for the differences and similarities.

Can they tell the difference between the two cards by comparing them side by side?

Remember that discussing these issues with them is essential in order to gain an understanding of their thought process and to guide them in the appropriate direction.

The final activity is to take out the two cards (for a total of 12 pictures) that have two arrows on them.

At the top of these cards is the question “Erosion or Weathering?”

Place an arrow next to each arrow on the labels that you printed, so that you can distinguish between which arrow is pointing to the erosion and which is pointing to the weathering.

In this Science activity with detailed pictures, children will learn what erosion and weathering are, how to tell the difference between the two.

Erosion and Weathering Activity

Here are some activities to incorporate into your lesson plans, which you can find in this post.

Weathering and erosion worksheets PDF are available for you to print and use with your children for a small fee.

The lesson plan is included these Science activities for kids!

Students will gain an understanding of the differences between weathering and erosion processes.

The students will be able to answer the following question at the conclusion of the lesson:

What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

You will also have the opportunity to print out your printable activity so that children can put into practice what they have learned about weathering vs erosion after they have finished the lesson.

We hope you enjoy it and gain a lot of knowledge from it!

The earth’s surface has a distinct appearance.

There are many different elements in it, including rocks and sediments, as well as many other elements that can be broken down into smaller pieces of rock with the help of water and other elements such as air and ice, among others.

Some elements, such as water and ice, have the ability to dissolve rock over time, and the air performs its erosion and weathering magic by picking up and transporting particles of soil and rock away from the site.

This Summer, we went on a road trip to the beautiful states of Colorado and Utah.

Most of the images in your free printable set were taken by me during our trip.

We had such a wonderful time and yes, we has an impromptu lesson on weathering and erosion while on the road because we saw so much of it, especially at Arches National Park in Moab, Utah.

Basically, your printable set will be printed with a color printer and then laminate the cards.

Note: you can print the cards on one page each or you can change the layout to print 2 cards per page.

This will save you ink, but the images might end up too small to really learn to distinguish weathering and erosion.

Just something to think about. 

Then, cut the labels that say “erosion” and “weathering.”

Now you are ready to begin your STEM activities!

Erosion & Weathering Resources

Erosion and Weathering Labeling Activity + Lesson Plan

$2.99

Spread the love

As children go through this erosion and weathering labeling activity, you will be amazed at how much they will learn.


This is a very popular topic that doesn’t have many hands-on resources for children.

So, I made this clear and easy to understand activity that children can do independently after the initial lesson presentation is given.

It includes four cards that help children learn what erosion and weathering are, what they look like and how to tell the difference between the two.

EU buyers, go here.

Desgaste y erosión (Weathering and Erosion) (Spanish Version) (Science Readers)Desgaste y erosión (Weathering and Erosion) (Spanish Version) (Science Readers)Desgaste y erosión (Weathering and Erosion) (Spanish Version) (Science Readers)Weathering and Erosion (That Rocks!)Weathering and Erosion (That Rocks!)Weathering and Erosion (That Rocks!)Erosion and Weathering (Rocks: The Hard Facts)Erosion and Weathering (Rocks: The Hard Facts)Erosion and Weathering (Rocks: The Hard Facts)

 

You might also like:

Episode 20: I don’t know what Montessori Materials to buy
Episode 29: Montessori Botany works to prioritize
Episode 34: Montessori Science: Focusing on Life Cycles
Episode 51: Montessori Friendly Printable Winter Activities You Need
Episode 52: 3 Winter-Themed Fine Motor Skills Hands-on Activities
An Introduction to Montessori 3-Part Cards
A Fun Montessori Botany Activity for Children
Erosion and Weathering Science Activity for Children
Introduce Hibernation, Migration and Adaptation to Children
Montessori Friendly Printable Winter Activities You Need
3 Winter-Themed Fine Motor Skills Hands-on Activities
The Easiest Way to Teach Children about the Butterfly Life Cycle
Montessori Life Cycle of a Butterfly
Montessori Life Cycle of a Butterfly 3-Part Cards
In this Science activity with detailed pictures, children will learn what erosion and weathering are, how to tell the difference between the two.
Erosion and Weathering Science Activity for Children

Beautiful Montessori wall decorations by season
Today, I am going to show you three winter-themed fine motor skills hands-on activities for children to make with you or by themselves.
3 Winter-Themed Fine Motor Skills Hands-on Activities

A Fun Montessori Botany Activity for Children

An Introduction to Montessori 3-Part Cards
The butterfly life cycle the Montessori way is the best method of learning it because Montessori education emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning and self-discovery.
Enhancing Language Arts with Science: The Butterfly Life Cycle Manuscript Handwriting Practice
  • In this blog post, let's discuss the importance of socialization. Unlike many would think, socialization is an essential pillar of the Montessori philosophy.
    The Importance of Socialization in the Montessori Philosophy
    In this blog post, let’s discuss the importance of socialization. Unlike many would think, socialization is an essential pillar of the Montessori philosophy.
  • The Montessori Work Cycle is a foundational element of the Montessori Method. It promotes independence, concentration, and a love for learning.
    Understanding the Montessori Work Cycle
    The Montessori Work Cycle is a foundational element of the Montessori Method. It promotes independence, concentration, and a love for learning.
  • As new parents, Montessori guides, and caregivers, understanding why Montessori matters from birth can pave the way for fostering a lifelong love of learning and holistic development in children.
    Why Montessori Matters from Birth: The Impact on Infant Development
    As new parents, Montessori guides, and caregivers, understanding why Montessori matters from birth can pave the way for fostering a lifelong love of learning and holistic development in children.
  • Transitioning your nursery to Montessori is easier than you think. Simply follow the 3 main tips that I will give you here and you will have a Montessori nursery for your little one in no time!
    Transitioning Your Nursery to Montessori: A Smooth and Effective Approach
    Transitioning your nursery to Montessori is easier than you think. Simply follow the 3 main tips that I will give you here and you will have a Montessori nursery for your little one in no time!
  • I got to see it in practice and was fascinated. That is when I started to research what Dr. Maria Montessori is best known for.
    What Dr. Maria Montessori is Best Known For
    I got to see it in practice and was fascinated. That is when I started to research what Dr. Maria Montessori is best known for.
  • Applying Montessori principles at home is wonderful. You and your baby will love it.
    Embracing Montessori Principles at Home during Baby’s First Year
    Applying Montessori principles at home is wonderful. You and your baby will love it.

Spread the love

July 23, 2021 · Leave a Comment

Previous Post: « Research Supports Montessori Multi-aged Groups – Part 2
Next Post: 3 Reasons to Love the Montessori Philosophy »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Join our Facebook Group!

Join our email list!

Recent posts

  • The Importance of Socialization in the Montessori Philosophy
  • Understanding the Montessori Work Cycle
  • Why Montessori Matters from Birth: The Impact on Infant Development

Recent Episodes

  • Episode 68: The Importance of Montessori Parenting
  • Episode 67: How to Teach Addition using the Montessori Method
  • Episode 64: Montessori books that you must have (Part 2)

Footer

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • About me
  • Work with Me
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2025 · Master the Montessori Life

x