Introduction
To Build or Not to Build
Modified from a Webquest by Russ Macnab
You will learn about agents of erosion and weathering, the effects of erosion and weathering and how to prevent erosion and lessen the effects of weathering.
You and your partner will be assigned one possible location for your client's new home. You will need to research weathering and erosion, both in general and how they affect this location. After you and your partner have gathered all the necessary information, you will both need to present the information in the form of a poster, a Google Slide, or any other presentation tool that has been approved by the boss.
Task
Introduction
You have just started a part-time job for a local company that designs/builds homes for people. Recently a family has approached your company to build their dream home. Unfortunately, your boss did not do very well in his Grade 7 Science class and has not been able to answer their questions about the benefits and risks of different locations with respect to weathering and erosion.
Show your boss your talents and your value to the company! The clients have suggested four possible locations where they want to build their dream home:
1) a cliff overlooking a beach
2) a flat windy area for a farm
3) on the side of a mountain
4) by a river on a flood plain
You and your partner will be assigned one of the locations and will research weathering and erosion issues. You should include both general issues and also ones specific to your location. You will present your findings.
Process
Step 1: Use the worksheet provided to answer these questions.
- Define mechanical weathering and chemical weathering and how each affects the Earth's surface.
- Define what erosion is and how it affects the shape of the Earth's surface and how it could impact your location.
Step 2: Use the worksheet provided to answer these questions.
- Research what type of erosion and weathering could affect the location you pick.
- How does the erosion agent shape the land (what are the landforms created)?
- How could weathering considerations affect the kind of house you build or the materials used.
- How will this effect the house built there?
Step 4: Use the worksheet provided to answer these questions.
- Give your opinion about whether or not the house should be built in your location.
- How could you help prevent erosion and guard against the effects of weathering if they do decide to build there regardless of your recommendation?
Step 3: Create a presentation of your findings using a poster, powerpoint, or other approved presentation tool.
Evaluation
Rubric
Erosion Case Study Analysis Rubric
|
Indicators |
Master 8-10 |
Expert 6-8 |
Apprentice 4-8 |
Rookie 2-4 |
|
Identification of main issues/problems |
Identifies the all of the main issues/ problems in the case study.
|
Identifies most of the main issues/ problems in the case study. |
Identifies some of the main issues/ problems in the case study. |
Ideas are hard to understand and often confusing |
|
Analysis of Information |
Concepts are well explained and elaborated upon. Student shows full knowledge with explanations and elaboration of topic. |
Student can explain the relationship of facts and how they apply to real-life situations. Concepts are explained and easily understood. |
Concepts are somewhat explained by student but are not easily understood. |
Student cannot answer questions about the subject. Concepts are not explained. |
|
Quality |
Final product is complete and accurate. It contains added elements that enhance the overall project. |
Final product is complete and accurate. It is visually appealing. |
Final product is complete but limited in detail and effort. |
Final product is incomplete, missing key parts or lacking effort. |
|
Content |
Project covers topic in depth with details and examples. subject knowledge is excellent. |
Project included essential knowledge about the topic. |
Project includes essential information about the topic with 1 or 2 factual errors |
Content is minimal in relation to the activities and / or there are several factual errors. |
|
Organization |
Content is well organized using headings to group materials. |
Topics are organized with some in the structure. |
Content is organized but does not flow together. |
No clear organizational structure is present. |
|
Mechanics |
No misspellings or grammatical errors. |
Three or fewer spelling or grammatical errors. |
Several misspellings or grammatical errors. These start to impede readability. |
Numerous errors in spelling and grammar. Readability is difficult. |
|
Oral Presentation/ Recommendation to Client |
Interesting and well rehearsed. Recommendation made, supported with evidence, and followed with actual examples. |
Relatively interesting with a fairly smooth delivery. Recommendation made and supported with evidence. |
Delivery is not smooth but holds the interest of the audience. Recommendation made but not supported with evidence. |
Delivery is not smooth and audience attention is lost. No recommendation made. |
Conclusion
Use Chapters 7, 8, and 9 in your textbook along with these resources as a guide for your research:
Visit these locations for information on weather and erosion for your location:
· Cliff by overlooking the ocean
http://www.scribd.com/doc/305249/Coastal-Erosion-Processes-and-Landforms
http://www.tpbweb.com/pageDisplay.jsp?pageid=12626
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/naturalresources/components/D…
· Flat windy area for a farm
http://www2.kenyon.edu/projects/farmschool/types/soil.htm
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex3524
· Flood plain area next to a river
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01448/
http://www.geographyhigh.connectfree.co.uk/s3riversgeoghighlandforms.ht…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floodplain
The side of a mountain
http://www.ehow.com/list_6912715_drainage-effects-mountainside-tree-rem…... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erosion
Credits
Modified from a Webquest by Russ Macnab