Earth’s Landforms
Earth and Space
Key Concept 1 and 2: A landform is a natural, geographic
structure on Earth’s surface. Landforms, including
mountains, hills, valleys, and plains, have specific
characteristics.
Passage
Let’s go on a nature walk! In addition to plants and animals, what might we see? We might see
_________________, which are different types of structures on Earth’s surface. There are many varieties
found on Earth. There are rounded mounds of rock and dirt called _______________, which are usually easy
to climb. There are also taller, and sometimes pointy, mounds of rock that are much bigger called
__________________. Valleys, which can be V or U shaped, are also located throughout Earth.
____________, which are usually flat and grassy areas, can be found in many parts of the U.S. Although you
may not find these landforms where you live, you can always do a quick search on the Internet to find out
more information. Pretty soon, you, too, can become a landform expert!
Word Bank:
plains
valleys
landforms
hills
rocks
surface
mountains
characteristics
Illustration
Select one landform from the passage above and describe it. Be sure to include the characteris8cs that make your selec8on unique. 1
Earth’s Landforms
Earth and Space
Key Concept 3: Landforms can look very different, but can
be formed by similar processes.
Passage
You have learned a lot about landforms. Hills, mountains, and plains are all unique in their
own way. The large, flat areas of land found in plains are completely different, or
___________, from other landforms we have studied. These look very different from the big
“dips”, or _____________, found. Large, slow-moving masses of ice, known as glaciers,
can move across the landscape and form both of these landforms. The ___________ which
take place in nature ensure that Earth’s surface is always changing.
Word Bank:
opposite
processes valleys
similar
landforms
trait
movement characteristics
Illustration
Draw and color your selected landform in the space provided below. Be sure to jot down what makes your landform unique. 2
Earth’s Landforms
Earth and Space
Key Concept 4: We can compare different landforms based
on their characteristics.
Passage
Think about the landforms you have learned about or those you have seen. Even though
they are different, there are features, or _________________, that are similar. Hills and
______________ are both large mounds of rock. ________________ can be carved
smooth from the movement of ice. The large masses of ice, also known as
______________, grind the land slowly. Wind and water can also affect all of the
landforms on Earth’s surface. Isn’t Earth’s surface amazing?
Word Bank:
traits
glaciers
processes movement
valleys
unique
mountains
plains
Illustration
Of all the landforms we have studied, select the one you would most likely want to visit. Draw it below and list your reasons! 3