Unit Plan 23 (Grade 2 Science): Wind & Water Erosion

Focus: Observe how wind and water can change the shape of the land over time and compare simple solutions designed to slow or prevent erosion.

Grade Level: 2

Subject Area: Science (Earth Science • Earth’s Surface Processes)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 30–45 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, students explore how wind and water can slowly (and sometimes quickly) wear away and move soil and sand, changing the shape of the land. Through hands-on models using sand trays, fans, and poured water, they observe how slopes, hills, and “riverbanks” can erode.

Students then act like young engineers, trying out and comparing simple solutions (walls, rocks, plants, barriers) that are designed to slow down or prevent erosion. By the end of the week, they can describe what erosion is, give examples of wind and water erosion, and explain which solutions worked best in their models and why.

Essential Questions

• What is erosion, and how can wind and water change the shape of the land?
• How can we use small models to show how landforms like hills, slopes, and riverbanks can be worn away?
• What are some solutions that people use to slow or prevent erosion, and how can we compare which solutions work better?
• Why is it important to protect the land from too much erosion?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Describe erosion as wind and water wearing away and moving soil or sand, changing the land’s shape.
2. Use simple models (sand trays with water and fan tests) to observe how wind and water can cause erosion on slopes and “riverbanks.”
3. Identify at least two different solutions (e.g., rocks, walls, plants, barriers) designed to slow or prevent erosion.
4. Plan and carry out simple tests to compare how well different solutions slow down erosion in their models.
5. Use observations and simple data (what moved, how far, before/after sketches) to explain which solution worked better and why.

Standards Alignment — 2nd Grade (NGSS-Aligned)

• 2-ESS2-1 — Compare multiple solutions designed to slow or prevent wind or water from changing the shape of the land.
  • Example: Test and compare a bare sand hill vs. a sand hill with rocks, walls, or “plants” to see which one erodes less.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can explain that erosion happens when wind or water moves soil or sand and changes the shape of the land.
• I can use a model to show how a slope or hill can wash or blow away.
• I can describe at least two erosion solutions, such as rocks, walls, or plants, and tell what they are trying to do.
• I can compare my solutions and say which one slowed erosion more, using my observations or simple data.
• I can share my ideas with others using pictures, labels, and words.