This chapter describes the mechanical and chemical weathering of rock. It also explains how soil forms, identifies soil horizons, and relates soil type to climate.
See the following Web sites for appropriate laboratory activities:
In the lab at the following URL, students will simulate mechanical and chemical weathering. They will perform two lab procedures, collect and analyze data, and apply what they learn from the simulation to identify examples of mechanical and chemical weathering on the school grounds.
In the lab at the URL below, students will simulate the effects of weathering by wind. They will develop a hypothesis to answer the question: How does the size of rock carried by the wind affect the weathering of a larger rock? Then students will design and carry out an experiment to test their hypothesis.
An important role of soils is to filter and clean water. In the lab activity at the URL below, students will investigate how the size of soil particles influences the ability of the soil to filter water.
These Web sites may also be helpful:
The National Geographic article below has excellent images of weathering.
At the following URL, you can find 18 short, narrated video clips on different types of soil organisms.
The USDA provides many soil resources for teachers and students at this URL: http://soils.usda.gov/education/index.html.
You can find an entire multimedia library devoted to soils at the following URL.
Pacing the Lessons
Class Period(s) (60 min)