Description
Make Earth science hands-on and exciting with this Investigate Weathering activity focused on how animals contribute to the breaking of rocks! Designed for 4th grade and aligned with NGSS 4-ESS2-1, this engaging investigation helps students explore how natural processes—including the actions of burrowing animals and plant roots—cause physical weathering over time.
Students will observe, sort, and describe real-world examples of weathering caused by living organisms, making abstract Earth processes more concrete. This printable activity includes a variety of formats to support vocabulary development, visual analysis, and written reflection—perfect for science centers, interactive notebooks, or small group instruction.
🌍 Skills Covered
- Understanding and identifying weathering caused by animals and plants
- Connecting biological activity to Earth surface changes
- Developing observation and science explanation skills
- Supporting NGSS standard 4-ESS2-1: Earth's Systems
📦 What’s Included
- Investigation sheet with guiding questions and visuals
- Student-friendly explanations and vocabulary support
- Sorting activity with real-life photos (weathering vs. no weathering)
- Printable cut-and-paste cards for interactive learning
- Answer key and teacher directions for easy prep
💡 Ways to Use in the Classroom
- Whole group lesson or guided science discussion
- Small group or independent investigation center
- Add to a rocks and minerals or Earth surface changes unit
- Use as a visual anchor activity before deeper experiments
- Great for science notebooks or exit ticket reflections
💖 Why Teachers Love It
✔️ Clear visuals and vocabulary support for all learners
✔️ Aligned with NGSS 4-ESS2-1
✔️ Easy prep—perfect for science notebooks or centers
✔️ Connects science concepts to real-world examples
✔️ Encourages students to observe, sort, and explain scientifically
Help your students see how nature—including animals—plays a role in shaping the Earth’s surface with this interactive and engaging weathering investigation! 🐾🌱🪨
This INVESTIGATE station is also available in a larger bundle of 8 stations at a discount.
Weathering & Earth Materials & Systems, Biogeology Fourth Grade Next Generation Science Stations include 12 different science stations where students deepen their understanding of how the weathering and erosion change the Earth’s surface. The focus is on 4-ESS1.A and 4-ESS2.E. Concepts include weathering, erosion, how landforms are created, rock formations, river erosion and deposition, the effect of vegetation on soil erosion, glaciers, physical and chemical weathering, forces that cause changes on earth as well as animals and plants that weather the Earth.
TERMS OF USE
Copyright © What I Have Learned, Jessica Boschen
Permission to copy for single classroom or homeschool family use only.
This product may not be distributed or displayed digitally for public view.
Please purchase additional licenses if you intend to share this product.
Animals that Weather Rocks Burrows Erosion 4th Grade Science Lab Reading Passage
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Description
Make Earth science hands-on and exciting with this Investigate Weathering activity focused on how animals contribute to the breaking of rocks! Designed for 4th grade and aligned with NGSS 4-ESS2-1, this engaging investigation helps students explore how natural processes—including the actions of burrowing animals and plant roots—cause physical weathering over time.
Students will observe, sort, and describe real-world examples of weathering caused by living organisms, making abstract Earth processes more concrete. This printable activity includes a variety of formats to support vocabulary development, visual analysis, and written reflection—perfect for science centers, interactive notebooks, or small group instruction.
🌍 Skills Covered
- Understanding and identifying weathering caused by animals and plants
- Connecting biological activity to Earth surface changes
- Developing observation and science explanation skills
- Supporting NGSS standard 4-ESS2-1: Earth's Systems
📦 What’s Included
- Investigation sheet with guiding questions and visuals
- Student-friendly explanations and vocabulary support
- Sorting activity with real-life photos (weathering vs. no weathering)
- Printable cut-and-paste cards for interactive learning
- Answer key and teacher directions for easy prep
💡 Ways to Use in the Classroom
- Whole group lesson or guided science discussion
- Small group or independent investigation center
- Add to a rocks and minerals or Earth surface changes unit
- Use as a visual anchor activity before deeper experiments
- Great for science notebooks or exit ticket reflections
💖 Why Teachers Love It
✔️ Clear visuals and vocabulary support for all learners
✔️ Aligned with NGSS 4-ESS2-1
✔️ Easy prep—perfect for science notebooks or centers
✔️ Connects science concepts to real-world examples
✔️ Encourages students to observe, sort, and explain scientifically
Help your students see how nature—including animals—plays a role in shaping the Earth’s surface with this interactive and engaging weathering investigation! 🐾🌱🪨
This INVESTIGATE station is also available in a larger bundle of 8 stations at a discount.
Weathering & Earth Materials & Systems, Biogeology Fourth Grade Next Generation Science Stations include 12 different science stations where students deepen their understanding of how the weathering and erosion change the Earth’s surface. The focus is on 4-ESS1.A and 4-ESS2.E. Concepts include weathering, erosion, how landforms are created, rock formations, river erosion and deposition, the effect of vegetation on soil erosion, glaciers, physical and chemical weathering, forces that cause changes on earth as well as animals and plants that weather the Earth.
TERMS OF USE
Copyright © What I Have Learned, Jessica Boschen
Permission to copy for single classroom or homeschool family use only.
This product may not be distributed or displayed digitally for public view.
Please purchase additional licenses if you intend to share this product.
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