Writing to Learn
5th Grade Science Core Standard 2: Students will understand that volcanoes, earthquakes,
uplift, weathering, and erosion reshape Earth's surface.
Vocabulary
earthquakes, erode, erosion, faults, uplift, volcanoes, weathering,
buttes, arches, glaciers, geological, deposition
Purpose
Writing Strategy Application
Have students sketch an example of Erosion or Weathering
To activate or Quick Sketch
Write your own definition of Erosion or Weathering
build prior Quick Try
knowledge
Jot and Sketch
Organizer
Quick Jot
Thinking boxes
Quick Write
Structured Note
Taking
To build Jot and Sketch
knowledge Summary
Jot/Sketch
Quick Write
Draw a picture and write a caption that would fit in the
section.
Like a Venn diagram, compare the features of a Weathering
and Erosion.
List some of the effects an Earthquake has on Earth’s surface
Sketch a change to Earth’s surface, define deposition, give an
example of weathering or erosion
Identify the objects, processes, or forces, that weather and
erode Earth’s surface (e.g., ice, plants, animals, gravity, water,
wind, etc.)
Use the structured note taking organizer to organize notes
from watching one of the Bill Nye videos on changes to
Earth’s surface (Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Weathering,
Erosion, etc.)
Sketch and describe horizontal and vertical faults
Highlight key concepts within the section. Using the
highlighted notes, write a summary.
Jot, sketch and label specific geological features that are
formed by volcanoes, earthquakes, and uplift
Describe how geological features (e.g., valleys, canyons,
buttes, arches) are changed through erosion (e.g., waves,
wind, glaciers, gravity, running water)
Jot and Sketch
Explain the relationship between time and specific geological
changes
Summary
Highlight key concepts within the section. Using the
highlighted notes, write a summary.
List examples of how technology is used to predict
earthquakes and volcanoes
List
To create a Write
written
product that Structured Note
Taking
demonstrates
mastery and
understanding.
Describe and justify how the surface of Earth would appear if
there were no mountain uplift, weathering, or erosion
Using the graphic organizer for note taking, have students
reread the article. Have them identify 3-4 important details
from each section.
Created by Cydnee Carter for DSD Writing Committee, April 2011.
©Davis School District Farmington, Utah 2012-2013
Created by Cydnee Carter for DSD Writing Committee, April 2011.
©Davis School District Farmington, Utah 2012-2013