In this unit, students explore how the Earth's surface is constantly changing. Students construct models of hills and use water to demonstrate how landforms like canyons are the result of slow changes to the Earth's surface. They also design solutions to problems caused by erosion.
In this lesson, students gather evidence to describe how environments on Earth have changed over time. Students explore how the process of sedimentary rock formation preserves a record of those past environments. In the activity, Canyon Explorer, students observe fossils found within a model canyon. The characteristics of those fossils provide evidence to support the explanation that the landscape has changed numerous times.
We suggest students work in pairs. Homeschool students can work on their own.
Plan Your Time
If you have limited time, you can divide this lesson into two sessions. We have marked a natural stopping point after the construction of the model canyon.
Part 1: Develop the Colossal Canyon Model.
Part 2: Use the Colossal Canyon Model begins here .
Teacher Background
Colossal Canyon is a model, but if you and your students are curious, each layer roughly corresponds to a real geologic time period. If you want to learn more, be sure to check out our Extension with links to help you explore rocks and fossils throughout the National Park System in the United States.
Layer 6: Tertiary Period 65-2 million years ago
Layer 5: Cretaceous Period 145-65 million years ago
Layer 4: Triassic & Jurassic Periods 250-145 million years ago
Layer 3: Permian Period 300-250 million years ago
Layer 2: Carboniferous Period 350-300 million years ago
Layer 1: Devonian Period 400-350 million years ago
In this lesson, students make hypotheses and investigate the causes of canyons. In the activity, Cornmeal Canyons, students create a model landform using cornmeal. Then they drip water over this “land” to observe how water can change its shape and to understand how, over long periods of time, canyons can be formed through a similar process.
Students will need to cover their workspaces with a table covering (e.g., trash bag) in case of spills.
We suggest students work in pairs and share materials with another pair of students at the same table cluster. Homeschool students can work on their own.
Prepare the Cornmeal “Land" and "Drip Sticks" Before Class
For each group of four students, you’ll need to prepare a container of cornmeal “land." For each pair of students, you'll need to prepare a "drip stick." This will take about 15 minutes. You need a pushpin, a permanent marker, a mixing bowl, and a measuring cup. Here are instructions.
Fill Solo Cups with Water
Two Solo cups will be used to support each pair's "drip stick" apparatus. For each pair of students, fill another Solo cup about halfway with water.
Organize Materials for Distribution
We suggest that you create supply distribution stations for students. In the first part of the activity, students will need the following supplies:
After students set up their cornmeal “land,” students will need the following additional materials:
Save Materials for the Next Lesson
If you plan to teach the next lesson in this unit:
Save your cornmeal "land." Pour it back into the food storage containers and keep them covered until you teach the next lesson.
In this lesson, students compare multiple solutions for preventing erosion. In the activity, Erosion Engineering, they design and test ways to keep water from washing away a hill modeled out of cornmeal.
Students will need to cover their workspaces with a table covering (e.g., trash bag) in case of spills.
We suggest students work in pairs and share materials with another pair of students at the same table. Homeschool students can work on their own.
Prepare the Cornmeal “Land” and “Drip Sticks” Before Class
For each group of four students, you’ll need a container of the cornmeal “land” that you made for Lesson 4. Each pair of students will also need a “drip stick" that you made for Lesson 4. (If you have not taught Lesson 4, you will need to make cornmeal “land” and "drip sticks." Here’s how .)
Prepare Aluminum Foil and Paper Towel Strips
Each pair of students will need two small squares of aluminum foil (about 1½” squares), and four paper towel strips (each strip should be about 1” x 5”).
Organize Materials for Distribution
We suggest that you create supply distribution stations for students. In the first part of the activity, each student will need the following supplies:
In the second part of the activity, students will work in pairs to protect their cornmeal hill from erosion. To create their erosion protectors, each pair of students will need the following additional materials:
In the third part of the activity, students use "drip sticks" to create rainstorms over their cornmeal hills. Each pair of students will need the following additional materials:
Lesson 4: Fossils & Rock Types
No materials required.
This episode is locked
This lesson is not included in your limited access.
