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Shaping the Land

Activity

What Causes Erosion and How Can We Slow It Down?

Go on a walk to observe places where rock or soil has gone through changes. What is causing it to move, stay, change colors? Find an example of erosion and talk about what you can do to slow this process. For example: Always staying on the trail when hiking, or planting plants with deep roots that keep soil from washing away.

Science Seed

Erosion is a geological process where rocks and soil are moved from one location and transported to another location by natural forces like wind, water, gravity and ice. At Palmer Elementary, you might see erosion happening in places where rainwater runs down hillsides, or where soil is exposed to the wind. Erosion can change the shape of the land over time and even affect the plants and animals that depend on it. For example, when rainwater washes away loose soil from playground hills or pathways, it can cause the ground to become uneven or lead to the loss of plants.

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earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

Explore Geraldine Palmer Elementary

join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.

This project was made possible by HEB.