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  • FACTivity – Go With the Flow!
PDF preview of the FACTivity for "Go With the Flow!"
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FACTivity – Go With the Flow!

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  • Middle School
  • 1 Classroom Period
  • Active Forest Management
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  • Erosion
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PDF preview of the FACTivity for "Go With the Flow!"
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When vegetation near streams and rivers is disturbed or removed, it can no longer hold the soil in place. When this happens, soil may flow into streams and rivers. What activities might cause vegetation to be disturbed near streams and rivers?

To answer this question, you will build a model of a stream bed and pond to simulate what happens to the surrounding soils during the rain.

Materials:

  • A cardboard box lined with plastic
  • A smaller bowl to act as the "pond"
  • Soil, pebbles, and small rocks
  • Watering can/source of water

FACTivity – Go With the Flow!

Illustration of a male and female scientist, writing on clipboards in front of a mountain range.

Part Of

Go With The Flow! Are Mountain Stream Channels Shaped by Flood and Drought?

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Standards addressed in this Activity:

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are a set of K-12 science education standards emphasizing inquiry-based learning, real-world applications, and integrating engineering practices, aiming to deepen understanding of science while promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • MS-ESS2-1
    Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earths materials and the flow of energy that drives this process.
  • MS-ESS2-2
    Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earths surface at varying time and spatial scales.
The Common Core Standards are educational benchmarks in the United States that outline clear expectations for what students should know and be able to do in English language arts and mathematics from kindergarten through 12th grade, aiming to ensure consistency and coherence in education nationwide.
  • Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks.
Social Studies Standards are educational guidelines outlining the essential knowledge, skills, and concepts students should learn in subjects such as history, geography, civics, and economics, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of societal structures, historical events, and global perspectives.
  • People, Places, and Environments
  • Time, Continuity, and Change
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The Natural Inquirer program produces a variety of science education materials for PreK through grade 12. Natural Inquirer products are produced by the USDA Forest Service and other cooperators and partners.

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