Fenced-in Rocks

There is a small stream that runs throughout a wooded area. The stream is a great place to collect rainwater. Above this section of the pond, there is a rock path that lets people walk over the stream. These rocks are covered up by a type of fencing. Although sometimes there are rocks on top of the fencing, they are currently gone and the fencing is showing. 

Driving Question

• What effect will the fencing have on the rocks above the stream?

Probing Questions

• What else do you notice in this picture?
• What do you think happens in this area when it rains?
• What do you think would happen if the rocks were not there?

Classroom Suggestions

Students could:

• Fill a shoebox size plastic container with sand. Push all of the sand to one of the long sides of the container. Show what happens when water is poured on top. Using a variety of materials, have students build some sort of barrier to keep the sand in place. 
• Teach students about land erosion by blowing sand across a surface using a straw. Have students use a variety of materials to create wind barriers for the sand.
• Blow up a dozen or so balloons. Have students try to stack the balloons and keep them together in one place. Using a large net, try to contain all the balloons. Ask questions about what would happen if a wind or rain storm came through. Would the balloons get loose?

Relevant Related Resources

Inspire Science-Inquiry Activity: Prevent Erosion | YouTube: This video contains a lesson about erosion and an inquiry activity to go with it. It explains the different materials you will need and walks you through an activity of preventing erosion. (6:07)
Water Erosion Solutions | YouTube: This video explains different types of water erosion and gives possible solutions on how to prevent it from happening. It shows real life examples of these solutions as well. (4:26)​​​​​​​
How Can You Stop a Landslide? | Mystery Science: This site contains an activity within a lesson. The lesson shows a problem and the listener needs to solve the problem by using assigned materials. The problem in this lesson is how to stop a landslide. Students build cornmeal hills and then have to design a solution to prevent a landslide when the rain comes down. There are worksheets you can print off and many materials listed for you to use. This site may require membership.