All lessons › Changing Earth and sky › Lesson 2
Australian primary science · Years 5–6 · Lesson 2 of 3
Erosion table
Inquiry question: What makes soil wash away?
Marked no materials needed
Fair testing
What students learn
Slope, rain and ground cover change how much soil erodes. A fair test changes one variable at a time.
Success criteria
- I can change one variable and keep the rest the same.
- I can compare soil lost in two trays.
- I can explain how plants protect soil.
Preparation and materials
Before this lesson: Students know what erosion is (lesson 1).
- iPads with Bottlebrush Education open (nothing else needed) — 13 (one per pair)
- Projector or big screen — 1
Teacher setup
- Open Earth & space › Lab › Erosion table on your screen to demonstrate.
- Check the iPads are charged.
Safety and adaptations
Follow school science and equipment risk assessment procedures for the materials used.
Review your school policies and curriculum requirements before teaching.
How to investigate
The lesson sequence should leave pupils with evidence to interpret, not only an activity to finish.
- Pairs pick one variable to change: slope, rain or ground cover.
- Set both trays the same except that variable; predict.
- Make it rain and record soil lost in each tray.
- Repeat for a second variable.
Teacher modelling prompt
On the big screen, set Tray A and Tray B the same except ground cover, and tap the class prediction (the rain button unlocks after a prediction). Think aloud: “Only cover is different, so any difference in soil lost is because of the cover.” Make it rain.
Record and explain evidence
Recording question: What makes soil wash away?
| What we changed | Tray A soil lost (g) | Tray B soil lost (g) |
|---|---|---|
| ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
Example recording headings; record actual observations, including inconclusive results.
Discussion prompt
What does our data say?
Check understanding
What should pupils know? Name two things that increase erosion.
Explain with evidence: Why did we change only one thing between the trays?
Apply the idea: A farmer’s hillside paddock is losing soil. Suggest one way to reduce it and why.
Teacher answer guidance and saved classroom work are available through the main lesson experience where supported.