Erosion Table trials

We have used the Engineering Design Process to test materials that would stop soil from eroding.  Some of the materials we used were sand, mulch and gravel. 
First we set up our trays with the same materials.  We used one cup of sand and four cups of soil. 
Next we tested one item on each tray. 
Student number 17 says: We put three cups of sand on the top of the soil, then we poured water on top.  It made a river in the middle and then the sand fell in chunks to the bottom.  Sand did not work by itself.

Student 18 says:  We had rocks to put on top of the soil.  We used three cups and patted them down.  Then we put water on the top.  More than a cup of run off was on the bottom.  Rocks did not work by themselves.

Student number 27 says: We had sand on the bottom, soil in the middle and then three cups of mulch on the top.  We didn't get any run off at first but the water came down slowly.  There was no run off with the soil, just water.  Mulch was the best material. 

The students then took their information and designed the trays they thought would reduce the most run off.  They will be testing their designs TOMORROW!  We cannot wait.

What is erosion?

Some of our students answered the question below:

Student 27: A  movement of land caused  by water  wind or rain.
                                                                                                                                       
Anonymous: Wind. water. and sand moving to different places.

Student 32: When wind hits rock and it forms something new.

Student 18: Erosion changes the Earth's surface with the wind or water.

Anonymous #2: Erosion is when the land moves.

Student 20: Erosion is changes by nature to the Earth's surface. It is usually caused by wind or water.

Student 25: Erosion is the changing of land by wind, water, or nature. When the Dust Bowl happened that was because the wind ripped off the grass that was holding in the soil and then after that was ripped away, the dirt rose up and that was all around the air and people had a hard time breathing.

Student 17: The moving of land by water.

Anonymous #3: Erosion is when wind blows through something and it makes a hole.

Student #9: Erosion is something that changes the surface of the land.

Student #29: Erosion is something that can wreck things.

Student #23: Erosion can break roads to make cracks in them. Wind can blow away sand on a rock so it will change shape and size. Erosion is sometimes a cool site. The Grand Canyon was made by erosion.

River Observation

Our classes took a walk to Otter Creek. We took a clipboard and paper with us so that we could draw pictures of what we saw and write down any observations or wonder statements. We noticed that there were trees that fell down. We also saw trash in the water. We wondered how it got there. We also saw river banks that looked like they had changed. We wondered if Tropical Storm did that. We looked for signs or river engineering like a berm, channelization, dams, or rerouting. We think the river may have rerouted. We didn't see any dams. It was fun going outside to look at the river.


Taking notes!

Otter Creek

Soil Studies

Soil Studies by student #20
What is soil?
Soil is weathered rock mixed with dead leaves and bugs.
What can you tell by looking at soil?
By looking at soil you can tell if the soil is topsoil,clay,silt,sand,or dirt,and sometimes the location.

What critters can be helpful in soil?
Student 18: worms

We played a game where we looked at dirt to decide if it was top soil, clay, sand, or silt. My group got all the answers right .

Why block the river?

Our science grant work has begun!  We have been busy learning about dams, berms, channeling water and rerouting water.  Why do people need to control the flow of water?  Ask your child. they might surpirse you with their answer!

Does Matter Matter?

Hello Parents,
  We have taken up studying about Matter this month.  Your child may be coming home and discussing the properties of matter.  We have learned a Matter song to the tune of Wheels on the Bus.  Ask your son or daughter and they may remember a few lines.  This past Tuesday we played a game that involved using our sense of touch to determine solids, liquids and gases. 
Below are a few links to songs and slideshows about matter.  Have fun watching!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btGu9FWSPtc&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVc9Uz6zE1A&feature=related\

Always remember to Reduce Reuse and Recycle!

Student 20 says:"I made an eco-friendly artbox out of 1/2 an old egg carton.  It had: colored pencils, crayons, a gluestick and several erasers as well as a pencil or two.  Way cool!