Exploring Movements of

Landmass in West Virginia

Grade:6-8

Subject: Earth Science

Learning Outcomes: The students will use mapping techniques to examine community situations related to geology, and identify factors that must be considered in areas such as landfill sites, highway construction,and community development.

Duration of Lesson:2-3 class periods.

Materials:
transparent topographic base map.
Data layers
Erasable markers
Paper towel
Topographic symbols chart
Scales for distance

Technology Tools/Courseware: Topographic maps rom local dealer

Teacher Notes: This lesson focuses on landmass movement. The types of mass movement include slump, creep, earthflows, and rockfalls. West Virginia hillsides are constantly being changed by natural processes such as gravity and stream erosion. Students must be aware of factors that influence movement (teacher demo),signs that indicate movement (teacher checklist), and mass movement correction methods (teacher checklist).

Procedures:

        Students follow and complete lab report.
And Lab report part 2.

Students will work in small groups (2-3),select a 7.5 min topo area, and in a week collect location and picture of movements on a datasheet in this area.

  1. Each group will plot information from the data sheets to a single transparency map by placing the map over the datasheets. Tape the tranparency map over a datasheet after carefully matching the marks on the edge of the map and datasheet.
  2. Map the location of older landslides on the transparency map. Carefully place the map over the datasheet for older landslides. Color the location of older landslides on the transparency map. Use a yellow marker.
  3. Map the location of recent landslides on the transparency map. Place the map over the datasheet for recent landslides. Use a red marker.
  4. Plot the location of rockfalls on the transparency map Place the map over the transparency map. Place the map over the datasheet for rockfalls. Mark the location using a green marker.
  5. Answer the following questions: Are landslide prone areas associated with any rock series?
What areas in our community are prone to landmass movements?

What are 3 factors that may influence the formation of landslides in this area?

What risk do you see to human life or property as a result of mass movement in this area?

 Modifications: Modifications will be based on those listed in the student's IEP.

Enrichment Activities:  Weathering and stress experiments on 2 types of concrete.
 

Assessment:

4= Excellent Participation 3= Above Average Participation 2= Average Participation 1= Below Average Participation 0= Unsatisfactory  No positive participation
Procedures Followed Procedures Followed Procedures Followed Procedures Followed Procedures not Followed
Completed experiment, constructed map, answered enrichment questions Completed experiment, 

Constructed map

 Completed most of experiment Did not complete experiment but completed setup Did not complete the experiment
Alignment with WV IGO's :

Geography 7.23,7.57 Science 8.19,8.17,8.6,8.64 Math 8.44,8.45

National Standards

References:

             Us GeoData
            Virtual Reference Desk
               USGS Mapping Science Software
 

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Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3 Lesson 4 Lesson 5 Lesson 6