Blowing in the wind

Blowing in the wind

Pencil and paperOnline interactive
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Further Resources
This task is about sand dunes and erosion.
sand-dunes.jpg
 
On Ninety-Mile Beach sand is blown from the dune area across to fertile farm land.

Suggest two acceptable actions that could be taken to slow down or stop this process.
For each example state what you would do and what the expected result would be.  

Question 1Change answer

a)
Action 1:
 
  
Expected result:
 

Question 1Change answer

b)
Action 2:
 
  
Expected result:
 
Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper or online.
Copyright: 
sand-dunes.jpg
Image source: (c) J.Fisher | PhotoKete (permission granted for educational use within New Zealand Aotearoa).
Levels:
4, 5
Curriculum info: 
Science, Participating and contributing, Planet Earth
Key Competencies: 
Participating and contributing
Keywords: 
Earth systems, erosion, wind
Description of task: 
Task: Students suggest ways to stop sand dunes blowing on to farmland, and describe the predicted outcome of their suggestions. Assessment focus: application of knowledge of erosion to a specific situation.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.
 
Capability: Engage with science
This resource provides opportunities to discuss what actions will help solve a real life problem.
Science capabilities: 
Engage with science
Answers/responses: 
 

Y11 (04/1998)
Any 2 of the following 3 actions/expected results:

  • Action: use plants, e.g., marram grass, ice-plant, toetoe.
    Result: stops erosion; holds the sand.
  • Action: erect wind breaks using netting or low fences.
    Result: halts/limits the spread of the sand.
  • Action: put organic matter on surface, e.g., seaweed, humus, or compost.
    Result: develops a heavier soil over the longer term.
  • Any other acceptable answer.

2 correct – easy

1 correct – very easy