http://www.teachengineering.org/view_lesson.php?url=collection/cub_/lessons/cub_earth/cub_earth_lesson5.xmllessontext/xmlIntegrated Teaching and Learning Program, erosionweatheringgeologyacid raindepositionglacierwindwaterchemicalicenatural processeslandscapeAcid RainDepositionErosionGeologyGlacierLimestoneScouringSedimentSlip FaceWeathering

This lesson introduces and describes the main types of erosion (i.e., chemical, water, wind, glacier and temperature). Students learn examples of each type of erosion and discuss how erosion changes the surface of the Earth. Students also learn why engineers need to be aware of the different types of erosion in order to protect structures and landmarks from the damaging effects erosion can cause. Figure 1 is an excellent illustration of water erosion.

Civil engineers need to carefully study the surrounding environment and soil type in order to safely build any sort of structure on it. Buildings, roads and bridges need to have a solid foundation and, if possible, in an area that is not prone to erosion (e.g., a flood plane). Engineers can also use materials that can resist the forms of erosion that a particular area is exposed to (e.g., water-proof materials or materials that are not affected by acid rain). Environmental engineers plant trees and other vegetation in order to help prevent wind and water erosion (the roots make the land more stable and less exposed). Engineers also design roads and sidewalks in a way that allows them to expand and contract with temperature changes so they will not crack as much (e.g., the grooves in the sidewalk).List several different types of erosion.Describe several land formations that have been created by erosion.Relate why engineers learn about erosion to design or protect a structure.20TeachEngineering.orgTeresa EllisMalinda Schaefer ZarskeJanet YowellCavers, Curtis. Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, Crops, “Soil Management on Potato Land,” March 2006.City of Longbeach, Public Works Department, Sidewalk Repair Program.Discovery Education, discoverySchool.com, Lesson Plans Library: 6-12, Earth Science, “Investigating Earth’s Surfaces.”http://resources.edb.gov.hk/~s1sci/R_S1Science/sp/en/teachers/notes2.htmhttp://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/seg/hazard/slideset/24/24_slides.shtmlhttp://www.nps.gov/parks.htmlU.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Coasts: Sand and Dunes, “Dunes – Getting Started,” January 19, 2004 http://www.epa.gov/acidrain/measure/ph.htmlhttp://www.mo.nrcs.usda.gov/news/MOphotogallery/erosion.htmlS11424F8ColoradoScienceb. Use evidence to develop a scientific explanation around how heating and cooling affects states of matter 33S11424F7ColoradoSciencea. Analyze and interpret observations about matter as it freezes and melts, and boils and condenses 33S11416ECInternational_Technology_Education_Association-ITEA_STL_StandardsTechnologyK. Tools and machines extend human capabilities, such as holding, lifting, carrying, fastening, separating, and computing. 35United StatesCopyright 2012 - Integrated Teaching and Learning Program, College of Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulderhttp://www.teachengineering.org/policy_ipp.phphttp://www.teachengineering.org/2012-02-023Teacher