Road Paint Weathering

Weathering and erosion impact natural and human-made objects alike. Shown are evidence of weathering and erosion on road paint. 

• What could cause the paint to weather?

• Where do you think the paint went?
• How long do you think it took for the road paint to get this way?

Students could: 

• Color on a white board with dry erase markers, then put different substances like ice, sand, or water (hot or cold), in a bag with the board and shake it around to see what happens. Have another student time the interval of shaking. Students could record what they predict will happen and then what actually happens. After they record the results, they can repeat the process with different time intervals. When students have completed their predictions and the activity we will talk as a class about what this might look like in real life. We will talk about road paint and how it changes over time with different natural elements. 
• Use an observation sheet to observe weathering at home and give them prompts for noticing and wondering. 

• PBS LearningMedia | 60 Second Science: Weathering Rocks: In this video, understand why some rocks are smooth and round using plastic jars, rocks, water and a sieve.
• PBS LearningMedia | Spot on Science: Weathering, Erosion, Deposition? What's the Difference?: This video explains the difference between these three environmental impacts.