Land use and soil erosion
Land use and soil erosion
Focus
This activity provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding of the causes of soil erosion and the effects of land use. Students examine the types of soil erosion and their causes, and look at some measures aimed at its prevention.
Science
Science and Society
6.2 Students use scientific concepts to evaluate the costs and benefits of applications of science (including agricultural and industrial practices).
Materials
- Erosion Control in Cropping Lands fact sheet (PDF, 85kB)*
- Run Off Control for Soil Conservation fact sheet (PDF, 94kB)*
- Any other fact sheet from the Department of Natural Resources and Water relating to Erosion
- Resource Sheet 1 - Soil Erosion Experiments (PDF, 53kB)*
- Resource Sheet 2 - Soil Erosion Activities (PDF, 51kB)*
Teaching considerations
Experiments may be performed as demonstrations or as group activities. They are intended to be simple activities to illustrate some of the types of soil erosion outlined in The Essential Soil.
Working scientifically
Time: 60 minutes
- Exploring phenomena
- Collecting information
- Examining and evaluating
- Applying ideas and concepts
Students observe demonstrations (or conduct the experiments) outlined in Resource Sheet 2, ‘Soil erosion experiments’.
Students use the information contained in relevant department fact sheets to complete the activities outlined in Resource Sheet 3, ‘Soil erosion activities’, which examine some possible ways in which soil erosion can be prevented.
When these activities have been completed, the class discusses the ways in which soil erosion problems can be minimised. (Collate and summarise the ideas on the blackboard using a concept map.) Students also consider, with each option, what might be the consequences of the action.
Additional learning
Further activities on soil erosion can be found in J. Martin & K. Anderson 1993, Working with Soil: Information and Activity Books and R.W. Stephens 1994, The Essential Soil, Department of Primary Industries, Queensland available (no charge) from the Department of Natural Resources and Water (07) 3896 9332.
Gathering information about student learning
Sources of information could include:
- students’ completed soil erosion tables
- anecdotal records of students discussion of possible soil erosion minimisation strategies and consequences
- peer assessment of student contributions to discussion.