ILS Core Concepts – Shaping the Surface

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL SCIENCE: SHAPING THE EARTH’S SURFACE

 

Core Concepts

Suggested Activity

2.1g.  The dynamic processes that wear away Earth’s surface include weathering and erosion. Examine images of weathering, erosion, and other surface processes.
2.1h.  The process of weathering breaks down rocks to form sediment.  Soil consists of sediment, organic material, water, air, andliving organisms. Examine soil under a stereomicroscope.
3.2a.  During a physical change, a substance keeps its chemical composition and properties.  Examples of physical changes include freezing, melting, tearing, and crushing. Study the effects of shaking pieces of various rocks, with and without water.
4.2d.  Most substances expand when heated andcontract when cooled.  Water is an exception, expanding when changing to ice. Freeze water in a tightly-closed container (with suitable protection.)
3.2c.  During a chemical change, substances react in characteristic ways to form new substances with different physical and chemical properties. Study examples of chemical changes, such as the rusting of steel wool.
4.2e.  Temperature affects the solubility of some substances in water. Study reaction rates when an effervescent tablet is dropped into waters of different temperatures and acidity.
2.1i.  Erosion is the transport of sediment. Gravity is the driving force behind erosion.  Gravity can act directly or through agents such as moving water, wind, and glaciers.