The effect of slope on erosion

The effect of slope on erosion

Pencil and paperOnline interactive
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Further Resources
This task is about using a model to investigate erosion.
How we set up the equipment in the trial:

diagram of erosion experiment
NOTE: We used 100 × 50 mm timber offcuts, to make the different heights. We used no blocks (for 0 cm), 2 blocks (which is approximately 10 cm), and 4 blocks (which is approximately 20 cm).  

Question 1Change answer

How to do this task:
  • With the equipment you have been given design an investigation to find out how the slope of the land affects the rate of erosion.
  • You can draw diagrams if this will help explain how your investigation will be done.
a)  My plan:
Have your plan checked by your teacher before carrying it out.
 
Checked: [] 

Question 1Change answer

b) What did you find out?
Task administration: 
This task can be completed with equipment, and pencil and paper or online.
 
Equipment
1.5 m piece of PVC spouting with one end blocked; 1 L milk container; small funnel; measuring cup; tap water; blocks of 100 × 50 mm wood to give heights of 10 cm and 20 cm; river gravel; ice cream container.
  • This task assesses students' ability to design and carry out a fair test on the effect of slope on rates of erosion.
  • We used river sand for this practical.
  • Assessment could be done for just part a), or part a) and b).
Copyright: 
Image copyright: NZCER
Level:
3
Curriculum info: 
Science, Investigating in science, Planet Earth
Keywords: 
Earth systems, water, erosion, rivers, slope, models, experiments, experimental design
Description of task: 
This practical task assesses students' ability to design and carry out a fair test on the relationship between slope and rates of erosion.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.
 
Capability: Gather and interpret data
This resource provides opportunities to discuss how to use models to develop investigations into very large phenomena. 
Science capabilities: 
Gather and interpret data
Making Better Sense: 
Erosion Water/Wind
Answers/responses: 
a)

Same amount of water is running.
Same length of time water is running for.
Same amount of sand used.

Uses 3 or more different slopes.
b)

Comments clearly and appropriately on observations for all slopes used in investigation.

Makes a valid conclusion based on observations, e.g., The steeper the slope, the higher the rate of erosion.